Do you ever do something in front of your peers, or worse... in front of strangers that is so embarrassing you inwardly die a little? Are you a clumsy person like me who can't tell left foot from right? Well no worries! Everyone has experienced an awkward cringe worthy moment that makes them want to be the new Ant-man. Embrace the clumsiness and be proud of your affinity for accidents. So in honor of this heart-dropping phenomenon, here are the 5 most common awkward public "accidents" and how to deal with them while keeping what little dignity we have left.
1. Tripping up the stairs
With this one, I would make sure no one is watching, get up as quick as you can, and hope no one saw. The other day I did this and almost face planted, three people saw and it was not a fun experience.
2. When you think someone is waving at you but really its the person behind you
Your only way out of this one would be the fake out. Move your hand as fast as you can and put your hair behind your ear or scratch your head.
3. Pulling a door that says push or pushing a door that says pull
This one happens most often when I'm in a rush or spacing out. It usually happens when there is a crowd of people waiting to go in behind me and I have to stop because the "door won't work." My advice would be to not make eye contact and try to laugh it off while pulling (or pushing) the door as quickly as possible.
4. Stalking someone on social media and liking something from when they were in middle school
The only advice I can give you is to hope they received a bunch of texts so your like goes unnoticed and you should probably avoid them for a few months.
5. When you read something in public and laugh out loud
I promise I'm not crazy.. well maybe. Hide your face or look at someone else and pretend it wasn't you. or just hide, if you can't see them, they can't see you, right?
6. Talking with your hands and spilling your drink everywhere in the process
One time I was talking to a friend, and spilled my smoothie all over the floor in the middle of class. While attempting to doge the jabs, and ignore the laughter, grab some paper towels and clean it up.
7. Catching things with your face
Classic public slip up, or slip of the hands? When your hands fail you, your face is there. Best thing to do? Embrace the fact you have no hand-eye coordination.
8. Completely missing the straw because you're not paying attention
You will find it... eventually.
9. Having the skills to trip over any flat surface
You wish there was a rock, or a piece of the sidewalk peeking out but nope. It is just you're own affinity for face planting; gravity is not your friend. Get up, brush yourself off, and ice that face.
10. Being scared to get a new phone because you know you're going to break it the next day
Word of advice, buy a clumsy proof case before you get the phone and have a trusted family member or friend put it on before you even think about touching it.
11. For a matter of fact, holding anything remotely important makes you sweat profusely in fear of dropping said item
Sit down while holding babies and tiny humans, it will reduce sweating. I like to pretend that I am holding a football with the entire offensive team coming at me, aka hold on to that ish and what ever you do, do not let go.
Definitely heed my advice, everyone makes public slip ups, some of us just do it with more grace and poise than others. If you are not one of those people (like me), the people who are prone to accidents, count to ten, close your eyes, and learn to laugh at yourself.
