Grasping for Gratitude

Submitted by Ed, Age 28, NYC

When I was in college I had this big crush on this girl in my psychology class. One day I’m walking to the door and she comes out of it, and she’s kind of standing in the middle of the door, but still holding it open for me, so I have to squeeze by her. And I get nervous and confused whether to say “Excuse me” or “Thank you” and you know what I say?
“Skank.”

That’s what came out. No joke. And she looks at me like I…uh…well…just called her a skank. Which I did. So…I just busted into the room and pretty much had to let that one go. I don’t think there was any recovery from that.