It was one of those moments when I didn’t just need Minties – I needed a great big hole in the ground to open up, so I could step in and be buried alive!
It’s Moments Like These …
At the Problogger Conference a couple of weeks ago, I met a lovely couple and was making small talk (as you do) – when out of my mouth came the words that I swore would never cross my lips. In effect, I asked her when her baby was due.
I didn’t put it quite that baldly – I think I asked if they had children, as well as the one on the way ….
You guessed it – she wasn’t pregnant!
I just wanted to die.
They were very gracious about it, but I quickly learned they were childless and not expecting a visit from the stork anytime soon. We chatted for a few more minutes, but I Must Confess I couldn’t concentrate after that – I was absolutely mortified that I had said something so blinking stupid!
In my defense, I was nervous – hey, who wouldn’t be with 500 new people to meet! They did look very cute and loved up – and she did have a lovely curvy, ripe-looking figure (NOT fat, so if by any chance you are reading this, please don’t think you look fat, because you don’t – you looked beautiful!).
If only I had the quick wit of the hubster, because when I told him about my faux pas, he said, “You should have told her she was glowing, and that’s why you thought she was pregnant!” .
She actually did look glowing, come to think of it.
So now I’m trying to console myself by thinking that maybe I was right – and she WAS actually pregnant – she just hadn’t realised it yet!
Now it’s your turn to confess – what is the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever said to someone?
Linking up with My Home Truths for another edition of I Must Confess.
Ainslie says
Oops! I once asked a man what he was doing up so late while waiting at the train station. I think he had some form of auto immune disease which caused him to be much shorter and his features were smaller and finer. I assumed he was a kid, not even a teenager, a kid. I asked him if it was past his bedtime! When he informed me he was an adult, I felt awful and mumbled something about how he will age gracefully.
Janet Camilleri says
If it’s any consolation, you probably weren’t the first to say something to him …
Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
Oh no how embarrassing. Don’t worry I’ve been constantly asked if I’m pregnant again since I had bub. I don’t even care when people ask me now. I just be a smart ass and either say no Im just fat or no thats just the bit Hayley left behind.
Janet Camilleri says
I remember attending my 10 year high school reunion with my best friend, I was 6 months pregnant. Somebody asked me when my baby was due before turning to best friend and asking her the same question – but she wasn’t pregnant! I know how hard she took it so I can’t believe I said something so insensitive …
Sarah from Creating Contentment says
oh no! I curled up and died for you reading this! How horrible!!!
I have faux par’s all the time. SO many in fact, I cannot think of any off the top of my head. Oh!! I know!! At ProBlogger, I walked into a blind man, cause I expected HIM to move out of MY way. Cause I’m all important and he can see that!!!! I was so embarrassed.
Janet Camilleri says
Sarah, it was so crowded there (physically, and in our heads) – I’m sure you’re forgiven! 😉
Ness says
I’ll sometimes blurt out something that’s too much info and inappropriate. Like when somebody may mention that they’re worried about a family member having a colonoscopy and I helpfully tell them that my husband has them every year because he had cancer. Not classy.
I can imagine how embarrassed you were! Sometimes certain clothes make certain ladies look pregnant, especially if they’re apple shaped like me. Yes, I’ve had this happen to me. Not anymore, because I’m too ancient to be pregnant! xo
Janet Camilleri says
Yes I guess that’s one of the joys of getting older!
Amber Rhodes says
No!! Such an awkward turtle moment! I always have a case of foot in mouth so it is pretty much all the time that I say stupid stuff!
Janet Camilleri says
I *try* to be careful especially when it comes to asking if women are pregnant, because this used to happen to my best friend and I know it used to upset her. But clearly my brain wasn’t working properly that day!
Raych aka Mystery Case says
I’m often struck down by foot in mouth disease but I honestly can’t remember the last time it happened. Clearly they were that bad, I’ve blocked them out.
Janet Camilleri says
Haha yes I know that feeling, I know I’ve said some stoopid things in my time but can’t remember any except this last one, which was a doozy …
Tegan says
Oh no, you poor thing I can imagine how embarrassed you must have felt!
I can’t remember my last social faux pas..I think like Raych I must have blocked it out!
Janet Camilleri says
This would have to be one of my worst so I think it will stick in my memory for quite a while to come …
Carol Sternberg says
In my defense, I was only sixteen at the time and I had not long started work in the city. I was in a crowded elevator with a much older work colleague (at least 25) …..everyone else were strangers. It was mid summer and very hot. What I meant to comment on was how hot the nights were (no air con or fans at my place) instead I asked her “have you been hot in bed lately”. Everyone looked at me and then at her for her reply….needless to say she didn’t answer. That was 40 years ago and I remember the exact elevator I was in at the time. Somethings you never forget.
Janet Camilleri says
Oh that’s hilarious Carol – love it! Thanks for sharing! x
KathyMarris says
Oh Janet, that definitely qualifies you for ‘foot in mouth’ syndrome! I once told my Pilates Teacher how much I hated tattoos, so she lifted her top to show me the huge tattoo on her lower back. I was mortified, not only because I put my foot in my mouth, but because she seemed to be a bit old to have a tattoo!
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
I feel for you Janet – been there, done that myself. But haven’t we all???
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
I really feel for you Janet… while I have never said this I have said WAY worse things without meaning to, eg someone’s nice new Diesel car sounded like a tractor!!!
Ingrid says
I’m a chronic foot in mouth disease sufferer! I’d like to think I am getting slightly better with age however, or maybe I’m now just forgetting these incidents faster!
Janet Camilleri says
One of the benefits of getting older perhaps?!
Bec @ The Plumbette says
Aww Janet. Sometimes the mouth runs off before talking to the brain. I think we’ve ALL said something we shouldn’t have or assumed something. I think the reaction of the person says a lot more than the person dishing the comment. x
Janet Camilleri says
True Bec. And they were extremely gracious and lovely. I can’t even remember who they were or what their blog was, just that he was a photographer from Melbourne.
Rae Hilhorst says
I still have my hand over my mouth and my head in the sand, ohhhhhh, feeling your pain. I feel better now xxxx
Janet Camilleri says
See you’re not the only one who opens her mouth only to have it run away without you! x
Anne@Grit and Giggles says
Oh no! I would have been devastated if I did this as well. I’ve never said that before but I am a chronic too much information person, my mouth just runs away on me and my brain goes into hiding.