Monday, December 18, 2006

Now In Paperback: "How To Insult Your Neighbors And Feel Like An Idiot In One Easy Step"

As I'm going throughout my day on Saturday, I hear a knock at the door and go to investigate. Brad had already opened the door to find a very nice neighbor standing there with a plate of holiday treats for our family. I was completely surprised to see this person on my doorstep bearing Christmas goodies as we are more of the wave-when-we-see-each-other-types than sit-down-and-chat types. To overcompensate for my shock, I eagerly express my gratitude for this nice gesture.

"Thank you so much for thinking of us, Andrea!"

The person stops, turns slowly back to me and says "that's not my name, but you're welcome."

OHMYGOSH. OHMYFREAKINGGOSHDIDTHATREALLYJUSTHAPPEN?

Brad closes the door and gives me a look that reiterates that I am in fact the dumbest person on the planet. "Don't you know her name?" he asks, laughing heartily at my misstep. "Of course I do!" I protest. "I was just so surprised, and um, I'm stupid, and well, you know, do you think...I mean...should I....?" Panic city sets in.

It was one of the instances when the more you think about it the worse it becomes and I literally began to feel like I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole. IT WAS AWFUL.

After a few minutes I began to calm down and not feel quite so schmucky. I mean, who hasn't had a similar situation? Everyone makes mistakes and most people have a little chuckle and then move on with their lives. This person, however, is not that person. She is a grudge-holder. An unforgiver. A reply-in-a-way-that-makes-you-feel-dumber-than-you-thought-possible type.

I wasn't even going to write about this because I'm so mortified but I've had a few people call and laugh directly at me so I figured what the heck. Might as well claim this horrible situation as my own and stand tall. And since Christmas is officially one week away, who couldn't use a hearty laugh at my expense? As always, glad to help.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is hilarious!!! No worries though. I did that last week as I was sitting down at a friends for dinner, which her husband had made. I said, "Thanks for this awesome dinner Craig!" They looked at me in dismay and said, "Who is Craig?"....OOPS. Then, I couldn't remember his real name and I KNOW THE GUY! Huge brain fart. Totally akward moment. You are not alone. MG

tharker said...

Don't worry, we've all had those moments at one time or another. Just don't expect to be on their Christmas goodies list next year! So just kidding!!! Thanks for the laugh!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, pulled one of those on Friday at the ward Christmas party. Nothing like calling someone by the wrong name.

emahaf said...

Donh't feel bad I can not even remember my own name anymore let alone neighbors that I only talk to once in awile. I hope your week is going well.