Debacle with a Chance of Meatballs

Well, I just made a social blunder. 

And I feel really bad about it. 

This afternoon, a young co-worker bought some giant fried meatballs to share. She has only been with the company for about a month, so this was the first time she ever brought something to the table. (And yes, I mean that literally. There’s a huge table in the center of our room where everyone dumps documents and food.) 

After lunch, I took one of the meatballs. It wasn’t exactly… delicious. Despite the good smell, it actually tasted quite bitter. And unlike ordinary fried meatballs, the inside wasn’t hollow—it was dense and overly chewy. I could barely finish it. (But of course, I said nothing. I know my manners, and I truly appreciated her generosity.) 

Things went fine after that. We played Roblox during the rest of our break, and later I went back to work. 

But near the end of office hours, disaster struck. I now call it the blunder of the year—the Jabberwocky of the office!

It all started when a more senior co-worker told each of us to eat another meatball before leaving. Since I didn’t want to waste food, I politely declined. 

She pushed again: “Just take it home.” 

And then… out of nowhere, this traitor of a mouth blurted out: “I don’t really like it. It’s too chewy.” 

Silent. 

No one knew what to say. 

And then it hit me. Did I just offend someone who kindly bought the food??? Did I basically announce that I hated what she brought??? I sounded like an insatiable senior—or worse, a wannabe food critic, unnecessarily complaining. 

When I realized I might’ve hurt the feelings of a new co-worker just trying to fit in, I felt so, so, so bad. I swear I didn’t mean it that way. Sometimes I just can’t control my mouth. (Traitor. Traitor. TRAITOR!)

If I learned anything from this, it’s that I should really think before I speak. My comment might not have visibly bothered her, but who knows if it hurt inside? Next time, I’ll be more careful—because honestly, what I said was so socially unacceptable. 

And I didn’t even need an introvert manual to know that. 

I feel sooo bad. Gah.

P.S. Just so you don’t mischievously speculate, the meatballs in the photo aren’t those meatballs.

If you feel sorry for me (or don’t, honestly) but still want to read another post, I recommend My Mom is a Candy Crush Saga Maniac, and Honestly, I’m No Better and The Mango Fiasco: A Slice of Adulting Reality.