Second Hand Embarrassment Artinya Novels & Stories

I am reminded of how strange and awkward that request of mine was, and now that it is directly from his lips, it even becomes even more strange, and if someone hears it without context, they will immediately make a wrong idea. “Can you not say it like that?” I couldn’t help but interject. He is clearly enjoying this. He only smiled sheepishly as he shook his head. “I don't know what you mean. I only agree that I should take respo—” “Stop!” I cut in before he finished what he was saying since it made me cringe so hard. Is this what secondhand embarrassment feels like? He raises his brow as if asking me and with his clueless expression. I roll my eyes.

Their expressions betray a mix of curiosity and anticipation. “I’m happy that you haven’t lost touch on art and glad that you’re at my exhibition.” His compliments make me want to hide. A mix of embarrassment and self-consciousness washes over me, leaving me feeling exposed. I appreciate his kind words, but they bring a rush of emotions—guilt for not staying in touch and a longing for the connection we once had. The intensity of the moment makes me wish I could find a corner to retreat to, away from the gazes of those around us.

Stella's words were veiled with sarcasm. Referring to someone as second-hand was undeniably offensive. It triggered a defensive response from Keegan, "Who do you think you are calling someone second-hand goods?" Stella paused and said, "Not you, obviously." As Keegan felt more at ease, Stella continued, "Second-hand goods are those that have been rejected once. Since you've been dumped twice, that categorizes you as third-hand goods." Her response left Keegan at a loss for words.

They were interested to know about me. “ No art gallery wants to showcase her paintings!" He chuckled out stomping on my pride, my hope, my one and only dream and my self respect. There it was, the wave of embarassment that heated up my cheeks, turning them bright red as my lips unconsciously quivered. There was nothing worse than someone letting other's know that you were not capable of fulfilling your one and only dream; that you were not able. I avoided eye contact with Cole and Daniel, who were looking at my embarrased face. I was embarassed at the fact that they must be sneering at me in their heart. They must be thinking how big of a failure I was!

Emily is pacing in leggings and a bralette, already whispering that maybe she should just cancel the whole thing and flee the country. Honestly? Same. Not because I’m debuting a collection of heartbreaking, soul-baring art in front of an elite crowd of critics, exes, and trust fund demons. But because my brain won’t shut up. Like no matter how many times I remind myself that today is not about me, my thoughts keep circling back to one thing. One stupid, haunting picture. “Where’s the double-sided tape?” Emily yells, panic-crying into her vanity. “I swear I bought a whole pack. Charlotte, did you eat it? You eat weird things when you're nervous.”

Face looking confused with my strange reaction. I immediately composed myself like I was a fine lady. Pilit akong ngumiti sa kanya, pretending I didn't startle a few minutes ago. I can’t embarrassed myself again in front of a strange again dahil hindi na talaga ito kakayanin ng aking pride. Kahit naman yata na medyo makapal ang mukha ko, at alam ko parin ang limitasyon nito. I won’t let myself be embarrassed of someone again. Kuntento na ako sa mga pinag-daan ko, if I could not still reflect on it, and analyse my mistake I won’t grow as person.