I am the type of person who sometimes does inappropriate things. Usually because I try to get a laugh. Because I am a clown. In my way early twenties while working in corporate, I did an inappropriate thing. While I was in the elevator with a coworker/friend (Ali), I had the issue of what you would affectionately call a “wedgie.” So, because we were alone, I hiked up my skirt and un-wedgied myself. Problem fixed. No biggie. And Ali laughed. Just what I wanted.
2 Days later, via interoffice mail, I received a memo on official letterhead from the president of the company. Basically, it was a letter reprimanding me for the inappropriateness of my actions. The letter mentioned something about probation. I had no idea they had cameras in the elevator.
The blood immediately drained from my face. I had the overwhelming need to either vomit or pee myself. I started freaking out and tried to think back to that day. Did I lift my skirt all the way up or just kind of put my hand up there? I guess it didn’t matter. All I knew was that some people are so touchy. What’s the big deal? The big deal is that I really liked my job and I didn’t want to lose it over the fact that I was merely trying to make myself more comfortable. Okay, and make Ali laugh.
It turns out the joke was on me. Ali got her hands on some “official letterhead” and mailed the letter to me herself. That was a proud moment in my life. I taught her well. Carry on, Ali, carry on.
Mo