Awkward Encounters: The Drinking Fountain

Introducing the Awkward Encounters Series!

Today our first entry is the public drinking fountain and the awful things it can do.

Most of us have been in that situation: a leisurely stroll down a hallway, humming to ourselves while our brain reminds us we need more spit in our mouths. Such a place was I not one hour ago at Utah Valley University. Whilst walking to my class I happened upon the computer science building's 4th floor fountain. This marvel of creation, shining in all it's chromal glory, beckoned me to alter course and partake of it's wiles. I succumbed without a second thought. 

WARNING! The long range sensors told my body to go to Yellow Alert. A proximity probability alarm had gone off. On a similar course was a fellow student, walking my way. There was yet no evidence that she would come into my flight path, but the possibility was there. At what I thought was the last second, I went to flank speed for immediate rendezvous. I walked hard and fast, nonverbally communicating my bold declaration that I was going for the fountain, and all beware!

And then...it happened.

She turned swiftly, and in the blink of an eye reached the water! ALL ENGINES FULL REVERSE! I had lost the race and had to take on the role of the awkward bystander. I stood still, blinking, like I had just been tazed and forgotten my name. But tragedy led to triumph!  Did you know that this can turn into a positive outcome?

You see, in my haste I did not take into account the other student's situation. She had almost butted in front of me to get there first, I realized that she must feel partially embarrassed as well. Now what makes this positive? In her shame of cutting me off, she felt the only way to compensate was to cut down her drinking time. To 2 seconds. 

And then she was gone. She had barely put her head down before she left. I got to the fountain with no one behind me. As a result, I had all the time I needed. You see, if I had gotten there first I would have to limit my time to de-awkward the situation. One always feels pressed to finish quickly if there are waiters in line.

But it didn't happen that way. Sometimes coming in second pays off.