I’m not talking about the syrupy sweet iced tea found in southern climes, but about what I drink every morning, the piping hot brew of Barry’s Decaffeinated. Still, though it may not be quite as cloying as teeth-aching sweet tea, it is loaded with milk and sugar, especially sugar.

I’ve long since accepted my sweet tooth — would never try to drink my tea bitter and black. But what I would like to do is slowly reduce the amount of sugar I use. I’ve fantasized that I could figure out a way to do this crystal by crystal, a slow and steady de-sweetening that would lead me to healthier habits.

If not crystal by crystal, then maybe one-eighth (one-sixteenth?!) teaspoon by one-eighth teaspoon.

I may get stuck just one-eighth teaspoon into this scheme … but at least I would be trying.