7 Stories: Awkward (suggested theme)

"AWKWARD" is the suggested theme for August.

"I chose the hottest day to take care of an errand I’ve been putting off – taking my vacuum cleaner for the annual cleaning and servicing. I go to the Mom and Pop place with the friendly service where I’ve gone for years, but I seem to have spaced out and passed it, so I turn around and go back. It isn’t there. I’m completely disoriented until I get it; Mom and Pop are gone, and a marijuana store has taken their place!

I get out my phone to google the new address but can’t remember the name of the place. I’ve always known where it is and how to get there so didn’t pay attention to the name. After some creative googling I find that it is now in the opposite direction in a busy commercial area. I gird myself for the trek and make my way there through heavy traffic.
Finally I get to the street I’m looking for and make a right turn just as a car comes shooting out of a driveway without even looking. I slam on the brakes in time to miss being hit, but I’m shaking as I drive the final blocks to my destination.

Shaking and dripping with sweat, I haul my vacuum into the new store which is shiny and huge, not the familiar old place. I wait in line at the desk , my heart still racing from the near collision. My turn comes and the salesperson asks my name to look up the account, and since it’s frequently misspelled, I just get out my license to show the name and address. It’s simpler than having to spell it out, but the woman gives me a look that I interpret as impatient. Or maybe I’ve sighed with impatience, and she’s reacting to that. So far, it’s not a very friendly interaction.

And then it hits me. I know this person! Awkward!!! Maybe she doesn’t remember me since it’s been years, or maybe she does remember but thinks I’m an unpleasant person she can’t wait to see the back of. I pull myself together and smile, telling her who I am but don’t get a very warm response. There are people behind me, so I finish the business and say something about getting together some time. She doesn’t respond.

When I go pick up the vacuum I cringe as I remember the interaction a week earlier. I was stressed and irritated which I’m sure came through loud and clear. Now I’m embarrassed and make excuses in my mind. The vacuum store wasn’t there! I couldn’t remember the name! I had to drive in heavy traffic and was nearly hit by a car! It was hot!! Despite all my excuses I realize one thing; I managed to pull it together only when I saw someone I knew and not a stranger. It’s possible she didn’t have a clue who I was, but I want to preserve the image I have of myself as a kind and friendly person. I’ve blown it and revealed my darker side.
This incident seems trivial years later yet remains a touchstone. If I can pull it together for someone I know, I can also do it for a stranger. Pause. Take a deep breath. Smile. Make the effort. I won’t escape awkward moments completely, but it helps to put my best self forward and avoid needless cringing and embarrassment.

And it goes both ways. I need to remind myself that people who snap at me or are unfriendly might be going through something tough. If it’s someone I see again it doesn’t hurt to be friendly and spare them the cringing awkwardness I know so very well."

We want to hear your stories! We welcome experienced storytellers and first timers. You will NEVER find a more appreciative, welcoming audience -- we promise you!

Sign up to tell your story
email us

Rules & Guidelines for storytelling:

• Stories must be true.
  Stories must take 7 minutes or less to tell.
  Stories must be TOLD, not READ.

If you want help with your story, send us an email. We recommend you start recording yourself and practicing with a friend.

See you there!