Problems with authority

I have had conversations with others about this before, and it seems to be a reasonably common problem among many of us. Around my peers, I like to think I am a reasonably confident person. If I feel comfortable with the people around me, I generally come right out of my shell, crack jokes and generally talk non-stop - but put me in a situation where I have to interact with someone of great distinction and authority, and, well, things aren't so great. No matter how much I try to be relaxed, witty, intelligent, and funny with these people, I can't help but be a blubbering mess. Imagine a mix between Elliot Goblett and Collin Carpenter - because that's me.

I'm so bad at it that I do try my best to avoid such situations. Unfortunately, however, I couldn't avoid this morning's little incident. I was trapped in the bike cage. There was no escape. I had just locked up my bike, and was feeling quite content after a very good ride in (clocked up a bit of a PB this morning). I must have been enjoying a quiet day dream when I went to open the cage door with my swipe card, only to have the door fling open in front of me. Without naming names, all I will say is that the person entering was a Professor of very high distinction in my field or research. Having been taken by surprise, all my conversational flare went out the window. I stood in the door way, and, after a slight pause, I said "hi", followed by a momentary pause while I tried to remember his name. Of course, I knew his name, but at this moment I could not think of it, and so instead, after what must have been 5 seconds at least, I opted for that tried and tested aussie wild card .... "mate".

"Good Morning" he replied. I then held the bike cage door open while he wheeled in his bike. After he passed me, I then walked through the door and was about to make a break for it when he then said without looking back at me:

"thanks for that - if you could just hold the door open for me while I lock my bike, that would be great".

So I stood there and held the door while he went to lock his bike. After about 20 seconds, he took a glance back towards the door where he saw me holding it ajar.

"No No.. sorry .. I was actually joking".

To which I replied (rather over exageratedly), "Ha!", followed by a short pause, "very funny ... " - another pause - "mate" - capped then off with one final pause, before I made the quickest exit known to man.

With my awkwardness and embarrassment at dizzy new heights, it took me no less than 20 seconds to disappear completely from sight. I am now sitting at my desk, hoping never to see him again, but of course, tomorrow is another day, not to mention the tea room, which is a bit of a mine field for awkward interactions with authority.