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TIFU by pretending to be mute on an airplane

This happened a while ago but I still cringe when I think about it.

I hopped on a short flight from Dallas to San Antonio to visit my brother. I ended up on an aisle seat towards the very back of a packed plane. As I sat, the guy seated next to me was busy and I decided not to bug him with the quick hello or the classic "business or pleasure" question that people tend to ask.

About 15 minutes into the flight I began to eat one of those very dry Biscoff crackers. Without water on hand, I realized I over committed my salivary gland for some real work. Of course, at this exact moment, my seat mate begins his opening introduction. I nod to him and smile, but I was not about to open my mouth to pepper him with Biscoff cracker dust. Unaware of my dilemma, he asks me a question. I motion to my throat with my hand to suggest I was finishing a bite. His eyes go large and he quickly apologizes and turns red in the face with embarrassment. I was surprised by his reaction and thought his response was a little over the top.

A few seconds later I realized that he thought I was motioning that I could not speak. No problem, I would clarify everything as soon as I could swallow my cracker. Unfortunately, this cracker must have been made from some properties that send all moisture to another dimension. As I waited, the stewardess came to save the day with a drink cart. She asked me what I wanted to drink I just pointed at a sprite can. As I did this, my seatmate clarified my choice by verbally telling the stewardess my selection.

I could tell that he felt a sense of accomplishment that he was able to help me communicate given my perceived disability. Maybe it made him feel better after having asked me a question that I was unable to answer.

As the flight continued, I realized that I accidently committed myself to becoming mute. I was at the point of no return so I figured I would just go with it. I didn't want to make him feel stupid.

He began to tell me a couple things about his family. He mentioned a relative with a similar impairment following a stroke. He also showed me a picture of his dog on his phone. He knew I could not respond so he never asked me any questions. I just nodded and smiled at anything he said to be polite, not uttering a sound.

Eventually our plane lands. By this time I forgot about my act. I sat patiently as people began to de-plane. Being at the very back of the plane, I knew I had to wait so I remained seated. My phone vibrates, I see that it is my brother calling me.

I accept the call and enthusiastically say "Whats up? I just Landed! Give me about 10 minutes and I will meet you out front!"

My memory sends me a notice a little too late to remind me that I am supposed to be playing the role of mute person on this plane. I slowly look over to me seat mate to see if he really even noticed. His head was directly aimed at me. He had the most disgusted look on his face, like I punched a baby bunny.

I began to turn red. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't think of anything to say to make the moment less awkward. A part of my brain that does not get outside much convinced me to get out of the plane quickly. I turned that thought into action and I quickly got out of my chair and grabbed my backpack. I looked back at the guy and I can confirm that he was more committed to maintaining his disgusted expression than I was at being mute. I quickly looked at the person in front of me standing in the aisle. I could go nowhere.

I remained standing for about another eternity until the line started to ease up. I finally made my escape but this moment still haunts me.

TL;DR : After a miscommunication, I pretended to be mute on a plane so I would not embarrass my seat mate. My brother broke my cover when I took his phone call upon landing. My seat mate communicated with his face how disgusted he was with my act.

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