I got a sports massage last week. It was my first time getting a massage for something other than general relaxation. As with any other massage, before getting started, the therapist and I discussed my goals for the session and any injuries or personal preferences I had (e.g., my arm was bruised from a platelet donation and I really don’t like massage therapists to touch my face). As we were talking about my tight hips and piriformis issues, and she asked if I’ve had problems with a very specific muscle I’d never heard of.
I quickly answered “No,” and we moved on.
But a couple seconds later, I interrupted her and confessed I that I didn’t know what she was talking about. She explained and we were able to further customize my massage.
In the couple seconds between my lie and confession, I scolded myself for pretending to know what the massage therapist was talking about. My internal convo went something like this:
Self: Why did you just answer her? You have no idea what she’s talking about!
Me: I don’t know! I guess I don’t want to look dumb? I mean, I’m here for a sport massage—I should know about the body parts that cause me trouble!
Self: You’re not doing yourself any favors by pretending to know something you don’t. She’ll be more equipped to help you if you’re honest with her.
Me: You’re right.
Self: Great. Ask her to back up. Tell her you don’t know what that muscle is and you’re not sure why you answered her before.
Even though I corrected my error (my lie), making it in the first place was so unlike me; I don’t usually pretend to know things I don’t. It’s gotten me in trouble in the past (I was flirting with a boy on the school bus and he made a Jimmy Hoffa reference—I didn’t know who Jimmy Hoffa was—and I pretended to know what he was talking about. He caught me and we never flirted again.), and it’s just not helpful as you go about living your life. Plus, I love learning new things! And I’m certainly not so full of myself to think I know everything about anything.
So why did I do it?
I really don’t know. But I’m sure I’ll be in a similar situation again soon enough. And hopefully, by catching myself and disclosing this slip, I’ll be more prepared to get over myself and admit what I don’t know.
I totally did this the other day but for no reason. my friend was telling me about her job and she said did I tell you how my week is structured? and I said yes, even though she hadn’t. it’s funny what our subconscious speaks for us sometimes. it’s a small thing but it says a lot about yourself. good for you for being aware in the moment!
So interesting! Why do we do that? Maybe part of you was worried that she did tell you and you forgot? Thanks for commenting, Eunice! 🙂