So embarrassed, please tell me it isn't as bad as I think!

[ScienceIsTruth]

So, I've got workmen in atm, and the last one just left for the day. I gave them each a card and small gift when they left, and as this guy has really helped us out at the last moment, I'd also put a bonus in his card.

Now for the embarrassing bit:
We were stood talking and he'd thanked me for the card, etc, and then he leaned over me with his arm out like he was going on for a hug (he's a lot taller than I am), and although I'm not really a hugger I didn't want to be rude, so I put my arms out to hug him back, and he said "Oh, are we're doing cuddles, why not, it's Christmas!" And we hugged a bit awkwardly.

As soon as he said "oh!", I realised he was actually just leaning past me and around the corner to wave goodbye to my dc , but by then it was too late so we both went through with the hug.

Now I'm dying of embarrassment and he'll be back to finish next week, so I'll have to face him again.

I have to emigrate, don't I?

I feel really stupid, and don't want to have given him the wrong idea. He now probably thinks I'm weird!

I have Aspergers, but I haven't misread a situation that badly for a very long time.

It gave my dc a laugh though.

How do I deal with this?? I have to start hugging everyone, don't I? Postman, bin men,etc...... Or disappear off the face of the earth (that's my preferred option).

Please take my mind off this or tell me it isn't so bad.

If it makes you feel any better, last week at my graduation I was having my professional photos taken and the photographer was sorting my gown out etc, then he reaches for my hand and I just instinctively held it. He looked at me for a few seconds and then said "oh I was just going to put your hand on the scroll, but this is a nice moment between two strangers isn't it" 😂 luckily he saw the funny side and we had a good old laugh.

Earlier this week in a small group of people all greeting each other and shaking hands etc one man had his hand extended toward me in typical handshake fashion, but his head turned away. Couldn’t figure out which would be the worse, thought ignoring it would be, and so grabbed his hand and shook it vigorously. He wasn’t reaching for a handshake: he was just....holding it there. I Have form for this sort of misjudgment I’m afraid!

This morning I text the electrician to 'bring buns back' with him and 'don't worry, we'll sort it out later'. I had been in a txt conversation with DP about something he has been stressing about and thought I'd sent it to him and had hoped he was going to the bakery. My blood ran cold when I realised I'd sent it to the wrong person but the electrician just laughed it off when I apologised when he arrived without buns but it was a bit awkward.

Also can’t count the number of times I’ve thought someone was reaching to shake my hand and cheerfully grabbed it when in fact they wanted to pinch the cheeks of the DC I was holding. I should just stop shaking hands I think.

Reading this thread, I've become to realise that the real culprits here are the 'leaners'. People who lean to get their drink, their coat or to itch a scratch etc.

CAN PEOPLE STOP LEANING NEAR US PLEASE FFS

I've done similar, and have never ever forgotten it..
Years ago, I was managing a chain restaurant in Glasgow and got a visit from three bigwigs - up from london, doing a tour of the Scotland branches. As I nervously welcomed them through the door, the first one leaned in to shake my hand. I misread the situation, and thought he was leaning in for a kiss - that moment of realisation came too late though, as I'd already planted a kiss just slightly to the side of his mouth. I then had to kiss the other two in turn, so as to avoid making it seem like I'd singled out the first one for preferential treatment . It was fucking dreadful!! Still cringing 19 years later.

"oh I was just going to put your hand on the scroll, but this is a nice moment between two strangers isn't it" haha thats so funny!

And the singing and farting one. That would so be me!

Yeah, I’d move to the Southern Hemisphere if this happened to me.

Aw, don’t worry. My DH popped home from work for a desperately needed no. 2 whilst we had building work going on. Ran upstairs and did the business, flushed and heard a massive shout from below. Builders had thought we were all out and had disconnected the soil pipe. Fortunately the gaffer has just moved to cut a piece of pipe otherwise we may have been looking for other builders. They made DH clean it all up, after they’d finished pissing themselves . DH was very emabarrassed for a while, but did see the funny side.

'I was singing at the top of my voice and also farted loudly before realising he was standing a few feet away'. cakedup That made me properly laugh out loud!