Stupidity

We've all been there. The words just tumble out of our mouths and even as we say them we wish we could just grab them out of the air and put them all back in, swallow them, unexist them. It's like a delayed reaction, a compulsion, speaking and thinking at the exact same time that what is being said is a mistake. It can happen asking a question, stating a "fact", whatever. The bottom line is it happens all the time. One special moment comes to mind as I write about this, this is how it went down: Madrid, restaurant, family friends, gathering. We're talking about ages 25-35, Alejandro's younger sister was visiting. Picture an unfortunate looking woman that seems to be in her forties (BUT APPARENTLY SHE IS NOT) and I asked so you're the older sister? (Mind you, I thought she was Daniel's sister who is even older than Alejandro) and she politely laughs, even though her eyes were saying "you little bitch..." and since I felt I needed to sink a little deeper, I chose this time to express my confusion and calmly let her know "oh of course, I just said that because I thought you were Daniel's sister who is older than Alejandro!" (This is the part where I start to make grabbing motions with my hands trying to catch the words and obliterate them....) In conclusion, I'm pretty sure I ended up calling all three of them old. But you know, I've come to think it's like a human instinct of humility, I can't show the world how perfect I am ALL the time, that wouldn't be noble! So my body being as smart as it is says these nonsensical things all by itself from time to time, to keep the balance. The problem with this mechanism is that it decides to kick into gear right when I'm trying to show everyone my true perfection, damning all modesty to hell. But that's just one side of it. It's alright, because well being stupid and knowing it is not as bad as just being stupid. The classic situation, it's a little sad actually. Like watching a plane about to crash and knowing there's nothing that can be done. Watching somebody dig a hole and climb in, keep on digging until it is so deep there is no possible way to get out, the worst of it being that they themselves do not seem to have the slightest idea that the rest of us can no longer see the top of their heads, because of all the dirt. Typically the masters of these oblivious excavations are part of the family, an annoying uncle, a hopeless brother.... And they like to go on their expeditions at the best of times of course. The more family gathered the better, the bigger the holiday.... They are usually the catalyst of the huge and drunken arguments that seem to be part of the holiday tradition. You know drinking eggnog, decorating the tree, screaming at each other for 9 hours, unwrapping presents. Hahaha, anyway christmas is almost here! Can't wait.