Modern-day society is filled with plenty of awkward cyber moments. For instance, being matched with your boss on a dating website, or a loved one sharing a highly offensive post on social media. However, all the tech in the world can’t replace or prevent age-old ‘real-world’ blunders. Most notably, no one can seem to ever escape the embarrassment of running into someone they know when looking like utter garbage.
The Scenario
You spend a day at home binge-watching your favorite Netflix series, relaxing and unwinding after a stressful week. You discover you need one or two items from the store before you settle back into your show. Deciding to pop out quickly, you head out without bothering to change your clothes, brush your teeth, or look in the mirror for that matter. During your quick errand, you suddenly see someone you know (ie. friend, colleague, acquaintance, bitter enemy), and are horrified, realizing you look like a bewildered trash human. Your options to run, hide, or face the embarrassment all seem like a tragic misfortune on your day off.
Should I Risk It?
The satirical news website Woken News Network (WNN) jokingly shared their thoughts on the awkward phenomena of ‘running into someone when you look like garbage. Citing a study from Real Believable Studies (likely not real though…), about 90% of respondents said when they go out looking terrible that they will always see someone they know. A respondent to the study told WNN, “Every time I go out looking like s**t I end up seeing people. Every time.” An experienced victim of awkwardness, the respondent also encouraged others to check their social media news feeds, and see where their friends are at before dashing out of the house. ‘Cause why risk it if you know everyone else is out at the grocery store or grabbing Starbucks?
Can’t say I totally disagree with WNN, for it certainly seems like any step I make out the door I am greeted by someone I know (it is an increasingly small world). But some additional research to confirm these findings would certainly be interesting and give us all a better idea of how frequently we should risk such outings. The risk may be higher in small communities where there is less variety in places and people! (1)
Managing Embarrassment In All Situations
Whether you awkwardly ran into a friend looking like garbage, or did something else quirky, it is best to acknowledge the strange event, forgive yourself, and let it go. We all make mistakes, no doubt, and once that awkward moment is out there you can’t get it back. Instead, push any unpleasant thoughts away.
Focus on something else if you can, such as your other plans for the day or a distant goal. And keep in mind that, though it may seem like a big deal to you, your acquaintance, friend, or family member may not even care. I am sure everyone can relate to having a chill day, with no need for hairbrushes, make-up, and pants! (2)
