Worried & anxious

[Lis_P]

Hi

Just looking for a bit of advice. I was recently in my local little store, where I've been a regular shopper for years. I've become friendly with one of the girls who works at the counter, mainly as we live in the same area, and I've bumped into her 2 or 3 times around the place. I wouldn't say we're friends, but we're definitely friendly, and I even gave her a little Xmas pressie, to say thanks for being so friendly. A few days ago she was serving me and we were having a bit of a chat, but she kind of blanked out on me, and we both just stood there looking at each other. I started to feel quite paranoid and anxious, then realised I was on the verge of a panic attack, and felt like I just had to get out of the shop. I quickly grabbed my bag - I had already paid - and without saying thank you or goodbye, I walked out really quickly. Now I feel as though she must think I'm awful and I feel too embarrassed to go back & explain myself. She may have thought I was really rude or angry. I'm wondering about the best way to approach her, and worried that if she sees me come in that she might not want to speak to me. Do you think I should just simply apologise & explain that it wasn't my intention to be rude? I have been worrying about this for days. Cheers

[BballJ]

Hi Lis P,

I think the best thing you can do is go back and apologise and just say you didn't mean to be rude and walk out like that, something just came up. I am sure if you apologise she will understand.

My best for you,

Jay

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Lis P,

Thank you for your post. I'm sorry this happened and I understand that you would be really worried about this! Seems like this was the first time that it has happened and pretty unusual for you. I imagine that it would have been pretty awkward for both of you - I've been in both your situation and her situation so I can feel for you.

My suggestion is to try and switch the scenario; what might you think if she came up to you and was chatting and left all of a sudden? Would you think that she is really rude or angry? For me, I'd just be worried - thinking 'hey, what happened, that's weird' and 'I hope she is alright'. I don't think there would be any need to take it personally.

You can absolutely go into apologise if you like. But if you're not comfortable with that, that's okay too. You don't need to say why you left or what happened. Or like Jay mentioned you could say that something came up.

I'm trying to play out in my head what that situation was like for you, and I genuinely can't think of any scenario where it could play out badly. Whether you tell her, don't tell her; that's all okay.

[Lis_P]

Hi romantic_thi3f

Thanks so much for your response & great feedback. I'm starting to feel a bit better about the whole situation - time & distance definitely help. I haven't been back to the shop yet, but maybe in a few days time.

Cheers 🙂