Random shit that embarrasses you

[Sparklyboots]

.... I'll start. People peering into my shopping basket. I find it mortifying and feel inexplicably defensive (without really being clear what I am defending or for what reason). I feel the same whether it's tomatoes in the basket or condoms and pile cream. The self-service thing is such a relief.

When my pram isn't super clean. It can get messy so quickly. But I feel like such shit parent when it's dirty! Embarrassing if I'm out.

People being slightly in my way and me having to ask to get by them, because in my head I apologise in french and honestly am very close to saying “pardon!” which will really mark me out as a weirdo

People singing Happy birthday.I get embarrassed for the person being sung to.

Having to open a present in front of the gift giver. Such pressure- what if I don't like it? Whats the acceptable level of gratitude to be shown? A simple thankyou doesn't seem enough, gushing hug seeks too much.
It's a minefield. I'd rather not get them really

@Notashandyta I'm with you on that one, my worry has always been what if I don't know what it is and have to pretend it's wonderful

Was coming on to say the Happy Birthday thing. When they bring out a cake and go to a table..not me just a complete stranger. I feel weak. If anyone did it to me my embarrassment would go into orbit.

Yes - and I also hate watching people open presents I've given them, in case they/their parents hate them and I can tell they're pretending to be delighted. Also watching my DS open presents in front of people in case he's not delighted enough or goes too OTT and it looks fake!

When I come home with a McDonald's and a neighbour sees me on my way in.

I'm an adult.
I'm a healthy weight.
McDonald's is (one of the?) largest food companies in the world so clearly someone is buying from there.

Still - every fucking time. I usually just put their bag in my reusable carrier and run for it.

Taking the bins out, no real reason why

Yes to walking home with a McDonald's or take away bag

Ordering a take away

Saying something and not being heard so having to repeat myself (good job I'm a teacher!!)

Going for a walk without a coat on. Even in warm weather going out in just a top is almost impossible for me.

having a panic attack in public. I really feel so stupid but I can't help it.

worse when people try to help & say "calm down" which is pretty much the worse thing that anyone can say.

Answering the door to a takeaway delivery, I hate it, won’t do it. I’m ok with the food shopping delivery postman and Amazon chap though. I also answer the door if I’m not expecting anyone. But not a takeaway.

*the worst thing

Pretty much everything I did between the ages of 14 and 24 ish.

Haha yes my teenage and early twenties are embarrassing but objectively so.

I also find hailing a cab mortifying

Being given a gift.
DC being given a gift.
People doing favours for me/my family.

Feel embarrassed and guilty.

Talking to my hairdresser. I only see her several times a year so we aren't 'close' and I'm conscious that I ask her the same mundane shit she's heard about 20 times that week already. I cringe when I can tell.

I try to think of original topics in advance

When the teacher says ‘namaste’ at the end of yoga. I just can’t say it back. I sort of go ‘yeah, cheers, great, thanks’……… argh!

Lol at preparing topics for casual chat at the hairdressers.

I also feel embarrassed when people.in coffee shops already know my order. I can't ever commit to being a regular - I hate realising they have noticed me

Buying tampons in a local shop if the cashier is an older male.

@GingerAndTheBiscuits

Pretty much everything I did between the ages of 14 and 24 ish.

Yes, absolutely this 😂

Seeing someone I know and making eye contact with them from a long distance.

What do you do with your face in the gap between catching their eye and getting close enough to say hello? Where do you look? Do you wave? How long for? Then what do you do?

Dying just thinking about it.

Queuing for an ice cream. I’ve always felt incredibly uncomfortable queuing at an ice cream van. I hated it as a child, I squirmed then as I still do now. My poor children.
I’m almost 60.

Glad it’s not just me @Onemorefortheroad. Sometimes something will pop into my head from that period and I just burn with embarrassment/shame/combination of the two. It’s reassuring to know I’m not alone. I’m fairly sure if I approached the other people involved they would barely remember my transgressions but I can’t seem to shake them!

Answering the door to a takeaway delivery, I hate it, won’t do it.

Surely that's the easiest thing ever to avoid, isn't it - just don't order takeaways (or go out and collect them)?! Or do you have somebody else in your household who's happy to do it?