Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: #awkwardmoments

  • The Great Escape: My Hilarious Attempt to Avoid Family Game Night

    The Great Escape: My Hilarious Attempt to Avoid Family Game Night



    We all have those family traditions that, while endearing, can sometimes feel like an obligation. For me, it’s our monthly game night. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family dearly, but there’s something about forced joviality and the inevitable Monopoly-induced meltdown that makes me want to disappear into the witness protection program. So, this month, I decided to stage a grand escape.

    The Dodgy Dentist Appointment: My Master Plan

    My master plan hinged on a single, fabricated element: a last-minute dentist appointment. I even practiced my “Oh no, my tooth is killing me!” grimace in the mirror.

    family, bless their trusting souls, bought it hook, line, and sinker. I could practically hear the internal sighs of relief that they wouldn’t have to endure another round of my cutthroat Scrabble strategy.

    Operation: Freedom…Foiled by a Family Text!

    With a theatrical wince and promises to “be back soon,” I made my grand exit. My destination? Sweet, glorious freedom in the form of a quiet coffee shop and a good book.

    family, crammed into the waiting room of…you guessed it, my dentist’s office. Apparently, what started as a “We miss you!” text quickly morphed into “Let’s surprise them!” And because the universe enjoys a good laugh at my expense, they chose that exact moment to pay a visit.

    Busted by My Family…and Sentenced to Board Games

    My cappuccino suddenly seemed less appealing. I considered, for a brief, insane moment, hiding under the table. But alas, even I’m not that skilled at disappearing acts. So, with the grace of a gazelle caught in headlights, I walked over to my family, my carefully constructed lie crumbling around me like a poorly built card tower.

    The worst part? They weren’t even mad. They thought it was hilarious! They laughed, they took pictures of my defeated face, and then, the cherry on top, they insisted we all go back to my place for game night. Because, as my dear mother put it, “We were already on our way!”

    What’s Your Best Excuse? Share Your Story!

    So, dear readers, I leave you with this: What’s the most elaborate excuse you’ve used to get out of something? Share your hilarious stories in the comments below!

    (Just don’t tell my family. They’re already planning the next surprise visit.)


  • The Unspoken Rules of Elevator Etiquette (and the People Who Break Them)

    The Unspoken Rules of Elevator Etiquette (and the People Who Break Them)




    The Unspoken Rules of Elevator Etiquette (And How to Avoid Breaking Them)


    My Personal Elevator From Hell

    We’ve all been there. Packed into a metal box hurtling through the floors of an office building, desperately trying to avoid eye contact with strangers. Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded elevator ride.

    Just the other day, I found myself in an elevator situation so awkward, it could only be described as a scene straight out of “The Twilight Zone.” Picture this: I’m squished between a guy loudly discussing his fantasy football league on speakerphone and a woman who seems to think her perfume is a superpower.

    elevator ground to a halt between floors. The speakerphone dude’s triumphant roar (“Yes! Touchdown, baby!”) was cut short, and even the perfume lady seemed fazed. We were trapped.

    This experience got me thinking about the unspoken rules of elevator etiquette, those subtle social contracts we make to survive these short, strange journeys together. So, for the sake of humanity, let’s break them down, shall we?

    Rule #1: Respect the Elevator Bubble

    Personal space. We all crave it, especially in the confines of an elevator. Yet, some people seem to forget the concept of a personal bubble the second those elevator doors slide shut. They stand too close, their backpack smacks you in the face, their loud conversation invades your thoughts.

    Remember folks, an elevator is not your personal phone booth or karaoke stage. It’s a shared space, so let’s try to maintain a respectful distance and keep the volume down.

    Rule #2: The Elevator Button: A Sacred Duty

    Ah, the button pusher. The designated hero of the elevator ride, responsible for ensuring everyone reaches their desired floor. This is a position of power, not to be taken lightly.

    Don’t be the person who frantically presses the already-lit button for their floor. Don’t be the person who tries to squeeze past everyone else to reach a button when someone closer could easily do it. And for the love of all that is holy, do not, I repeat, DO NOT hold the elevator door for your buddy who’s running late while everyone else watches in silent agony.

  • Why I’ll Never Again Ignore the ‘Close Door’ Button on an Elevator (and the Awkward Encounter That Ensued)

    Why I’ll Never Again Ignore the ‘Close Door’ Button on an Elevator (and the Awkward Encounter That Ensued)



    We’ve all been there. Trapped in an elevator, silently willing the doors to close faster. But me? I’m usually the one patiently waiting, a picture of politeness, as someone scrambles towards the closing doors. “Hold the elevator!” they shout breathlessly. And like a chump, I smile and oblige.

    The Day My Elevator Etiquette Backfired

    This all changed last Tuesday, thanks to an encounter that can only be described as “peak awkward.” Picture this:

    I’m in my office building’s elevator, heading to a meeting on the 10th floor. It’s just me and my reflection, momentarily enjoying the peace and quiet. The doors begin their slow, graceful close when suddenly… BAM! A hand shoots through the shrinking gap, stopping the doors in their tracks. Relief floods over the mystery person’s face as they squeeze through.

    Elevator Nightmare

    “Thank goodness!” the newcomer exclaims, slightly out of breath. I offer a polite smile, secretly hoping they’re going to the 9th or 11th floor. No such luck.

    This is where things take a turn for the weird. The person is carrying not one, not two, but THREE enormous gift baskets. We’re talking overflowing-with-goodies, decorated-within-an-inch-of-their-lives kind of baskets.

  • The Unspoken Rules of Waiting in Line (And Why I Always Seem to Break Them)

    The Unspoken Rules of Waiting in Line (And Why I Always Seem to Break Them)




    The Case of the Misplaced Coffee Order

    We’ve all been there. Standing in line, patiently (or not so patiently) waiting our turn. But have you ever noticed that there seems to be an unspoken code of conduct, a secret society of line-standers that you never received the memo for? Yeah, me too. And apparently, I missed the meeting where they handed out the rule book.

    Take last Tuesday, for example. I was at my usual coffee shop, buzzing with pre-caffeine withdrawal, when I committed a cardinal sin. I’d reached the counter, heart pounding with anticipation of that first glorious sip of coffee, only to realize—I had absolutely no idea what my friend wanted.

    line behind me grew longer (and presumably, more irritated), and all I could manage was a weak, “Uh… let me just check with my friend real quick?”

    The collective sigh from everyone within a five-foot radius was almost audible. I had broken the unspoken rule: Thou shalt not approach the counter unprepared.

    The Awkward Etiquette of Personal Space in Line

    Then there’s the delicate matter of personal space. We all crave it, especially when confined within the often-too-close-for-comfort boundaries of a line. But what constitutes “too close”?

    Again, I’m guilty as charged. I have this terrible habit of unconsciously inching forward, like a moth drawn to a flickering light, except in this case, the light is the person in front of me. I don’t mean to be invasive; it just kind of happens. But I’m sure it doesn’t make for the most comfortable experience for the unwitting recipients of my creeping.