This was while I was in my third year at university, some time in the first term. I was then (as now) not much for being with people. Not through lack of desire, but through lack of social ability and confidence. Actually, that’s a bit like now as well. I’d been asked round to dinner by a lass on my course a couple of times (nothing in it, she had a boyfriend). The first time it was just us, the second time was for a larger gathering. It was here that my minor transgression occurred.
The house she lived in (with a group – the normal house-sharing arrangement for students) had an enormous kitchen/dining room, with a decent sized dining table. I think there were eight to ten people there, most of whom I knew only slightly if at all. One of the lasses had a jumper on with piping along the seams, but it somewhat confused me. I quietly asked my host if (or told her that?) the young lady had her jumper on inside out. Naturally, it wasn’t as quiet as I’d intended, and certainly the subject of my query heard, possibly also the rest of the room.
Here’s the really strange thing.
I’ve plenty of embarrassing moments in my life, some more cringe-worthy than others, but of all of them, this is one of the very few I don’t recall with horror, and wish I could erase from my memory.
Why is this?
Is it because it happened long ago (over twenty years now)?
Is it because no-one else will remember this moment?
Is it because I’ll most likely never see these people again?
No, none of these, as I know there are other occasions which fit all of these conditions, yet they still make me shudder with embarrassment. Perhaps looking at this will help me dissipate my social dread?