In this country, few things can both unite and divide us quite like a cup of tea. It may be a British staple, but differing opinions on how to properly make a brew can lead to fierce, passionately fought arguments.
Milk or water in first? Take the bag out or leave it in? Give it a squeeze or let it be? These are the questions that threaten to lock mankind in a never-ending debate over what makes the perfect cuppa.
It's a hot button issue, clearly, and people in Wales have reignited the debate once again. Taking to WalesOnline's Facebook page to wade into the debate, they didn't hold back with their arguments after it was suggested that the correct way to make tea was to put the milk in first and leave the bag in.
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While some agreed with the bold statement, others responded in disgust with some claiming it was "wrong for so many reasons" and a "massive fail".
"This is so wrong," said Caroline Silver. "Milk in last or you can never make me a cup of tea". Keith Parry agreed, writing: "Milk in last for me and I always leave in the bag in," while Sue Branigan added that "the only way" to make a cuppa was: "Tea bag, sugar, water, teabag out, milk."
"Milk last, what is wrong with you?," asked Lisa Davies, while Katie Levi wrote: "No no, hot water first! If milk first it will be too milky for me". Natalie White also recited her method, as she commented: "No way [does] milk [go] in first. Teabag, hot water over it. Let it brew for a few minutes and then [add] milk. Then give the teabag a last squeeze in the cup before removing."
However, others were in agreement with the original statement, and put forward the case for putting milk in first. "I have and always will put milk in first then tea bag," said Katy Elizabeth. "Perfect cuppa for me because I can see the milk turn, so I know how strong it will be".
"Always milk in first for me," added Jayne Payne. "But oh no, take the bag out ASAP". Yvonne Evans wrote: "I have to put my milk in first to see how brewed I want it," while Elaine Lockett agreed, adding: "Milk first, I like to see how strong it is."
"I'm a MIF," wrote Connie Jones. "Definitely milk in first." Sue Thomas took no issue with the statement as she added: "That's the way we always make it," while Susan Gilboy wrote: "I always put the milk in first".
Other options was then thrown into the mix, with some arguing that the best way to have tea is with no milk at all. Meanwhile, some even claimed that tea not made in a pot was "invalid".
"I'm Welsh," wrote Melissa Roberts. "So I have it the Welsh way as my nana used to say, without milk at all." Nana Regan added: "Correct way to make tea: no milk," while Janyce Hancock wrote: "[I] drink black tea with a tea bag still in the cup. Boring if we all liked the same". Chris Burgwyn added: "Traditional way was in a pot with no milk, anything else is invalid."
"Where's the pot?" asked Owen Nicholls. "Instant fail before you begin." Vanessa Gybas claimed: "Can't beat tea poured out of a teapot," while Christine Morris argued that omitting the pot was "sacrilege".
Some even advocated getting rid of the tea entirely, with Tony Morris writing that the "correct way" to make a brew was to "tip [it] into the sink, wash the cup [and] make a coffee instead". Luke Dodds agreed, commenting: "The correct way to make tea is to leave it in the shop and buy some coffee".
However, despite all the arguing, some of those in Wales still managed to be diplomatic with their comments. "There's no right or wrong way to make tea," wrote Kayley Morris "It's personal preference".
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