Have you ever been in a movie theater, all snuggled up with your honey by your side and your popcorn and soda in their cup holders, and just when the movie is getting gripping, the person right behind you sneezes so hard it feels like an arctic blast? Part of you wants to turn around and hand them a tissue while you slug them, but you just suck it up _ and are probably grossed out for the rest of the flick.
This really happened to us. We now take sanitary wipes to the movies just in case, and I wear a hat and scarf. It turns out that sharing life's lesser moments makes us feel even more connected. And they make for a funny story.
Dumb things like this happen to all of us. Here are a few more cases that may sound familiar _ or not _ along with what I've learned from the experience.
Have you ever been on an airplane patiently waiting for your deluxe supper, but you happened to be in the back of the plane and were one of the last to be served? They run out of your choice, and you really don't want the rubber chicken. There is a solution: order a special meal before you fly. They're usually better than what's on the regular menu.
Have you lost something down the garbage disposal and reached in with your hand to fetch something out? My wife freaks out, but the switch is safely two yards away, and I still have all my fingers. On the other hand, everyone knows putting your hand down the garbage disposal is a dumb thing to do. I won't do it anymore, and neither should you. Use a wooden spoon or something, not your hand.
Have you ever dropped your cell phone in a toilet and, god forbid, it's a public one? There are some places I simply refuse to go. Perhaps if it were at home, I'd put on rubber gloves and take a shot, but in a public restroom, never. That's why I have phone insurance. I'd rather pay the deductible. That being said, I have seen people go find a janitor to fetch the phone for them. Hope they tipped well.
Have you ever been driving at night, you're very tired but close to home, and the gas warning light goes on? Do you go home and take care of it in the morning? If you don't stop to refuel now, will you worry that you won't have enough gas or energy to get back to the station tomorrow? Whatever causes the least stress is your best bet. I'd rather fill up than worry about it in the morning, but others would take their chances. Whatever works best for you should be your plan of action.
Have you ever been at a party and broken something in the house by accident that you shouldn't have been touching in the first place? If no one saw you, you could get away with it, but is that really who you are? This is when it's important for you to step up and offer to replace the item _ hopefully not a Tiffany lamp. It's your only choice if you want to retain your self-respect and ever feel comfortable going to the same house or another party again.
We are all human and all do dumb things _ it comes with the package. By being honest and just using some common sense, you can overcome these little inconveniences. The big trick is to recognize that you're only human, just like the rest of us.
