Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Tell Me Lies, Tell Me Sweet Little Lies
I typically strive towards self-improvement on a daily basis. I try to learn from my errors and not make the same mistake twice. Every so often, however, I have a relapse, and my old ways shine through. Such was the case at the gym yesterday. Let's call this mistake "getting caught up in unnecessary lies while attempting to avoid an awkward social situation", which I have done on numerous occasions.
I took my card out to get it scanned my the guy behind the desk, as usual. As he was holding my card, he mentioned something about a promotional deal they were having for new members. I didn't really pay attention to the spiel he was giving me, because a) I already belong to the club and b) I don't know anyone who wants to join. Really, I just wanted my card back so I could go work out...then this exchange ensued between the Overbearing Gym Guy and myself:
OGG: So, you think you know anyone who's interested in joining?
Brian: (Reaching for card) Uh, yeah, maybe. (Unnecessary lie!!)
OGG: (Retracting card) That's great, let me just get their name and information.
At this point, I could have bailed...but I see this guy every day and I didn't want to retract my impulsive claim that I had a lead for him (awkward social situation!). I knew I had to come up with a name, but I'm a terrible liar.
Brian: Um. Jack Oolders.
OGG: Okay, and what's his number?
I realized at this point that I didn't know the number to Jack's apartment off-hand. So, unable to tell a complete lie, I gave him the phone number to Boston Ave. To summarize: In order to be polite/encouraging, I told him I might know someone who is interested. Once the lie was told, I felt uncomfortable letting him know that I lied, so I lied again with the name and phone number. Ultimately, this will lead to him calling our house, finding out Jack doesn't live there, knowing I lied, and seeing me everyday anyway. So really, I've just delayed the chain reaction that I was hoping to avoid completely.
If you've been to a baseball game lately, you may be familiar with some of these people. At worst, I believe I'm only guilty of fitting profile #9 in the "Top 20" segment. Hasta manana, chicos.
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I took my card out to get it scanned my the guy behind the desk, as usual. As he was holding my card, he mentioned something about a promotional deal they were having for new members. I didn't really pay attention to the spiel he was giving me, because a) I already belong to the club and b) I don't know anyone who wants to join. Really, I just wanted my card back so I could go work out...then this exchange ensued between the Overbearing Gym Guy and myself:
OGG: So, you think you know anyone who's interested in joining?
Brian: (Reaching for card) Uh, yeah, maybe. (Unnecessary lie!!)
OGG: (Retracting card) That's great, let me just get their name and information.
At this point, I could have bailed...but I see this guy every day and I didn't want to retract my impulsive claim that I had a lead for him (awkward social situation!). I knew I had to come up with a name, but I'm a terrible liar.
Brian: Um. Jack Oolders.
OGG: Okay, and what's his number?
I realized at this point that I didn't know the number to Jack's apartment off-hand. So, unable to tell a complete lie, I gave him the phone number to Boston Ave. To summarize: In order to be polite/encouraging, I told him I might know someone who is interested. Once the lie was told, I felt uncomfortable letting him know that I lied, so I lied again with the name and phone number. Ultimately, this will lead to him calling our house, finding out Jack doesn't live there, knowing I lied, and seeing me everyday anyway. So really, I've just delayed the chain reaction that I was hoping to avoid completely.
If you've been to a baseball game lately, you may be familiar with some of these people. At worst, I believe I'm only guilty of fitting profile #9 in the "Top 20" segment. Hasta manana, chicos.
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