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TIFU by trying to start a standing ovation.

I've always been obsessed with the psychology of clapping. Why do audiences clap longer for certain things rather than other things? Also, how do we all collectively know when to stop clapping? Is it a hive-mind type of thing we're all tapped into?

Then there is the standing ovation, which blows my mind. Why do some standing ovations catch on, while others fail?

I developed a theory that the success of a standing ovation rests solely on the first person to stand. If that person stands with enough confidence and enthusiasm, the rest of the people will stand too...

I decided to test my theory at the community center today. Some old lady made a humongous quilted blanket that depicted a bunch of orange and yellow cats wearing floppy sunhats. She was donating it to be auctioned off at the bazaar to raise money.

After she brought the quilt up, everyone started clapping nicely. I was in the third row, and I stood up very confidently and and conspicuously and starting clapping with force.

I looked around, but not a single other person was even making the smallest motion to budge out of their chairs. After a few seconds, I sheepishly sat back down. My theory must have been flawed...

Now everyone's going to think I'm ultra obsessed with cat quilts!

Tl;Dr: standing ovation made everyone think I'm the type of guy who gives a sh*t about quilted cats wearing sunhats.

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