Unsettling experience

[Itsbeginingtolookalotlikechristma]

I was at the petrol pump and I was looking for the petrol pump for petrol, not unleaded, obviously it wasn't there, I stood for a few seconds not knowing what to do. I then saw a sticker saying that E10 unleaded was suitable for all car's, so I used the unleaded.

Whilst paying I asked the woman when did the petrol pumps change, she said - donkeys year's ago.

This shook me up because I have no recollection of ever using the unleaded pump in my car, only the old petrol.

It took me about 2 days to come to terms with this.

Was I in a time lapse or am I going senile?

I'm 66.

I might also mention that not all cars are suitable for e10 petrol, although most cars are. Mine isn’t, so I have to use e5.

Always worth to check if you’re not used to putting petrol in the car or haven’t done it for a while! You can Google it I think the GOV website will say which cars and specific models are not suitable for it.

OP sounds like a silly moment where every single thought flies out of your head. Give it no more thought…unless it’s happening a lot!

Yes, I think it was just a brain blip!

@iRun2eatCake do you mind me asking if you have a massively stressful job and a very busy Homelife? It could be you have so much on that something has to give?

I have noticed I have occasional brain farts which I think is connected to peri menopause/menopause, such as buying one brand of coffee and thinking its another as the Packaging is similar.

Single parent to DS1 who has extra needs, DS2 who is 15yrs old and a teenager.... work part-time as a nurse....

@iRun2eatCake thats sounds pretty busy to me! I guess if you have always been bad with names then thats not a big deal. The disorientation sounds a little unusual as you are so young for that, but sounds like you are doing the right thing by being aware of it.

If I'm stressed or under pressure, my brain can sometimes play tricks on me.

I was once really shaken up after witnessing an awful accident on the motorway. When the police officer asked for my phone number I couldn't remember it (and I definitely knew it by heart). I ended up having to give him my business card as I didn't want him to think I was trying to avoid giving my details!

Other times I've mixed up my card PIN number with the keypad entry code to the house alarm system or my finest moment, when asked what my new baby niece was called (she had three names), I got them in the wrong order and then couldn't work out which was her first name!

These little brain freezes for me are usually related to stress. Its like my brain just says 'nope, I'm not retrieving this information for you'. I otherwise have a responsible job and am totally fine but I can definitely pinpoint brain freeze with times of extreme stress.

If this is a one-off for you, I wouldn't worry about it but if you find yourself in a confused state again, it's worth getting checked out.