What does it mean to you?

Coffee for me is more of a comforting habit at this point than something I necessarily get the urge to drink every day. It's as much a part of mornings as brushing my teeth, and it would feel strange to start the day without it. When I've been pregnant, I would drink decaf just for the taste of it, even though I was trying to limit my caffeine intake.
It also feels like the perfect counterbalance to anything sweet: anytime I have a piece of pie or something chocolaty and rich, I want coffee with it. Unfortunately, this often works vice versa, so I end up eating more sweets in the morning than I should!
I also think it's the perfect way to connect with others. Meeting for dinner might be too much of a time commitment, for instance, and hosting a dinner might be too expensive or beyond your culinary reach, but anyone can meet for coffee downtown, or brew some up in your own kitchen to share with friends over a plate of cookies. (There's the sweet tooth again...)
What does coffee mean to you?