When we accidentally spit on someone
There is, without a doubt, an entire unstated etiquette that surrounds these special occasions! In the first place, there is that split-second realization, which consists of a flash of dread on your face as you become aware of the errant droplet, accompanied by an inner cry of “please don’t notice, please don’t notice.”
While this is going on, the person who is on the receiving end is making every effort to maintain eye contact and is attempting to come up with a smile that says, “Nothing happened.” No way. Without a doubt, not.” In an instant, the two of you have reached a tacit agreement, a social compact that states, “For the sake of everyone’s dignity, let’s pretend that this is fine.”
The masterpiece is then shown, which is the continuation of the discussion as if everything is absolutely normal. The conversation takes on a strangely strong energy as both of you concentrate on avoiding acknowledging the occurrence, something along the lines of “If we talk for a long enough time, it will be wiped out of history.” Even though it is such a brief and unpleasant period, we are all able to comprehend it quite well.
When a random cringe memory floods the mind
Oh, the classic case of the cringe attack! You are going about your day, going about your business, when all of a sudden, out of nowhere, a humiliating memory from years ago comes crashing down on you for no apparent reason. Instantaneously, you find yourself mentally transported back to that embarrassing event, reliving every bad detail in high definition. And how does your brain react to it? Make a racket! Any kind of noise! A whispered “whathuhnope” or a music that is completely at random has to be released, as if it were a verbal exorcism, in order to drown out the memories.
It’s also incredible to think that our brains have these individualized strategies for distraction. All of a sudden, you are reciting a string of words that are half song and half nonsense, all in the hope that it will somehow force the memory back into the mental vault from which it had crept out. It is a small ritual that is used to express the sentiment that “Nope, I refuse to let that previous version of me ruin this version of me today.” There is something about it that is universally human.
