”So here’s my dilemma…when meeting new lovers, at what point do I tell them that I’ve been exposed to Mad Cow Disease?”

“You can’t be serious,” said the Barista.  “You telling me you have lovers?”

“Yes, I’ll have you know I’m polyamorous.”

“What’s that mean?”

“Multiple loves.  I have a husband and a girlfriend.  Well, actually I don’t HAVE a girlfriend, but I’m looking for one…That’s why I’m concerned about the Mad Cow thing.  Women frown upon disease.”

“No one likes disease, but I don’t think Mad Cow is sexually transmitted.  Do you want soy milk in your latte?”

“Yes, please.  No, of course it’s not an STD, but people look at me funny when they find out.  Oh and the stigma attached to not being able to donate blood EVER again…you have no idea of the shame.”

“Well maybe not, but at least you don’t have herpes!”

“Herpes implies sex.  Mad Cow implies I ate beef in Britain in 1992.  There’s nothing sexy about that!”

“But you don’t have Mad Cow, you’ve just been exposed to it!  Trust me, you should be more worried about herpes.”