Awkward Situation
By Amber
@AmbiePam (101418)
United States
August 8, 2025 3:31pm CST
I was at the pharmacy, and the pharmacist greeted me by name. This particular pharmacy I’ve used for a good 15 years, so it didn’t surprise me he remembered my name. Then, he asked me (very loudly) how my mom was doing.
Well, my mom’s dead. Has been for ten years. He obviously had a few details off when he recognized me. So, I just smiled, and said “oh you know…thanks for asking.” As I walked off I heard a pharmacy technician snicker and say, “You Bozo, her mom is dead!”
I just kept walking. Poor guy must have felt so bad!
18 people like this
19 responses
@RasmaSandra (87859)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
8 Aug
Sometimes they remember faces but not details, Way back when there was a pharmacy across the street from where we live in an apartment in NYC. Both mom and dad became friends with the owner and pharmacist, He even could make up some lotions for rashes or iches, I was just a little tyke then, Later I also went there for things,
3 people like this
@Manasha (2866)
• Pondicherry, India
9 Aug
That’s such an awkward little human moment — a mix of kindness, mistaken memory, and a dash of public embarrassment.
Honestly, you handled it gracefully. You spared him the instant gut-punch of realizing his mistake in front of a crowd, and you let the awkwardness pass without making it worse. In situations like that, the goal isn’t to set the record straight — it’s to avoid piling on unnecessary discomfort.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (194310)
• United States
8 Aug
Talk about putting your foot in. It! That"s still better than Kathy Lee Gifford saying something to Martin Short about his wonderful relationship his wife as if it was current, when she was deceased.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (47055)
•
8 Aug
I’m sorry, Amber. You handled that better than most people would have. I bet he hides the next time he sees you.
2 people like this
@luisadannointed (8079)
• Philippines
9 Aug
The people around there know your family. I think your family is good people to be remembered.
2 people like this
@Traceyjayne (4247)
• United Kingdom
8 Aug
You handled it very well, I’m not sure I would have done so well in that situation.
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (112892)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
9 Aug
I know what you mean that a pharmacist learned that your mom has passed away.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (165292)
• United States
9 Aug
Yep, truly awkward. I often ask others if someone has passed before doing something like that. I do feel for him, and you, though.
1 person likes this
@xstitcher (35085)
• Petaluma, California
9 Aug
Aw. I've had people ask me how my Mom was and I had to tell them she had passed. I think everyone knows now---I think.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (197331)
• United States
9 Aug
How embarrassing. I would have told him.
1 person likes this
@vilma143 (2906)
• Dipolog, Philippines
9 Aug
Sometimes. so much concern will bring us into a mistake, i think she didn't know that is why she is asking. But anyway, you really handled it in a good way. Looking you so familiar to her/him is easy for her/him to ask on that way.
Just enjoy your day.
