​Life’s Little Embarrassments: Would You Speak Up to Save Someone Embarrassment? by Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP

My typical Sunday morning routine is to grab a Starbucks hot green tea matcha before going grocery shopping. It’s my little sanctuary before battling the shopping cart raceway. During my most recent shopping adventure, I was placing an order at the deli counter while sipping my tea. 

The deli clerk greeted me with a smile and then took my order. As I scanned the glass window full of deli meats, I noticed my clerk whispering to another clerk and then looking my way. I became a little uncomfortable and wondered why they were looking at me. Then the clerk returned, thanked me for my order and told me to have a nice day. I shrugged off that feeling and continued filling my basket with items from my shopping list. 

When I finally overfilled my shopping cart, I went to checkout at the register. I placed all my items on the conveyor belt and gave the cashier my rewards card to scan in. The cashier greeted me with a smile and then said, “Hun, you have something green all over your nose.” As I looked down at the top of my cup, I saw that my green tea matcha had leaked on top of the lid. I immediately wiped my nose and this surge of embarrassment came over me. I instantly knew what the deli clerk was whispering about. I couldn’t believe that she didn’t say anything to me! It was easier for her to make fun of me than to be kind and let me know about my big green nose! 

I have always been the type of person that would say something to help another person in a similar situation. What would you do? Would you speak up if you saw something that might embarrass another person?