I grew up in a house where coffee wasn't allowed, so I've actually never had it before. I have avoided nearly all caffeine my whole life out of habit (one of those cases where a rule you grow up with sticks with you even if the original justification for it didn't).
Drinking a Coke is enough to make me bounce off the walls. I've often wondered what would happen to me if I tried coffee or an energy drink, but based on how strong the effects of sugar and small caffeine doses are on me, I'm far too scared to experiment. I do think coffee smells amazing, though--walking into a Starbucks is always delightful, even if I only ever buy hot chocolate there.
That bouncing off effect might be related to sugar too. If you really want to see caffeine's effects you might "microdose" a quarter of a cup of filtered coffee or a half shot of espresso, without mixing it with anything but water.
I think you should give it a shot. Unless you have some pre-existing condition (severe anxiety or something), there's basically no risk. Head to a coffee shop some morning and spend a few bucks for a small coffee. Maybe you'll find a new small joy in life. I have one cup, each morning when I get up, it's a tasty little ritual. Or maybe you won't like it after all, and then you'll know.
Will a Diet Coke give you the same effect as a Coke? I'm curious how much of your bouncing is due to the caffeine versus the sugar and/or some synergism.
I think so? I've had the same question and have been meaning to do a actual controlled experiment, but haven't ever gotten around to it. I know I react badly to sugar, and I'm fairly certain I also react badly to caffeine separately, but don't have enough data points to draw a solid conclusion yet.
Drinking a Coke is enough to make me bounce off the walls. I've often wondered what would happen to me if I tried coffee or an energy drink, but based on how strong the effects of sugar and small caffeine doses are on me, I'm far too scared to experiment. I do think coffee smells amazing, though--walking into a Starbucks is always delightful, even if I only ever buy hot chocolate there.