The Awkward Encounter

Question 1

I’m walking through the shopping centre, minding my business, when someone calls out my name—well, sort of.

Answer 1

Mind my business

Question 2

when someone calls out my name—well, sort of. I turn around and see this guy waving at me with way too much enthusiasm.

Answer 2

with way too much enthusiasm.

Question 3

His face rings a bell, but I can’t [for the life of me] remember where I know him from.

Answer 3

for the life of me: no matter how hard I try (usually used when you can’t remember something)

Question 4

I’m stalling, trying to [play it cool], but internally I’m [scrambling].

Answer 4

play it cool: pretend to be calm even if you’re not

scrambling : thinking or acting quickly in a panic

Question 5

He comes over, clearly expecting [a full-blown catch-up], and I’m standing there [winging it]—laughing at the right moments, nodding along like I know exactly what he’s talking about.

Answer 5

winging it: improvising, doing something without preparation

Question 6

Then it happens. He says, “So how’s your sister doing?” And I [blurt out], “Which one?” I don’t even have a sister. That was the moment I knew I was in deep water.

Answer 6

blurt out: say something suddenly without thinking

in deep water: in a difficult or uncomfortable situation

Question 7

Somehow, I managed to [talk my way out of it], but I walked away [cringing so hard] I thought [my face would freeze] like that.

Answer 7

cringing so hard: feeling strong embarrassment

Question 8

Lesson learned: next time, I’ll either just [own up] or fake a phone call.

Answer 8

fake a phone call: pretend to get a call so you can leave or avoid someone