The "I'm Sorry Wave" doesn't work in real life - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

IGNTBone · 08-15-2008, 10:35 PM

Hey guys, just thought I'd share a story in which I tried to apply a Seinfeld-ism in my daily life, but it didn't work as I'd hoped.

I went to the bank to withdraw money for a trip I was planning. I get the money no problem. However, getting out from the parking lot to the street was tricky, as there was an unusual amount of traffic for that the time of day. I finally make my move at the first break I see. I'm driving along in the middle lane, watching for where I would usually turn off to head home. The intersections of the grid streets look the same, and at the last minute, I realize I should've gotten into the left turn lane.

Instinctively, I hit my blinker, and attempted to sneak into the turn lane before I ran out of leeway. I didn't see a van in my blind spot, and ended up cutting a woman off. No one was hurt, but my next instinct was to communicate that I was sorry and hope she just thought I was a jerk (in a manner of speaking). So I gave her the wave of my hand to signal that it was my fault (hands up, eyes down), and continued on my way. Next thing I know, the lady pulls up next to me at the next light, and rolls her window down. Uh-oh. My brain formulates a plan in nanoseconds, and I roll my own window down.

Before she can say anything, I immediately lean over and sincerely shout "I'm very sorry ma'am, that was totally my fault." That's what she wanted, apparently, as she rolled her window back up, and I made it home without further incident. But the moral of this tale is...

Don't think of using the "I'm Sorry Wave" in real traffic, because it may not be enough. I was lucky

catlover79 · 08-15-2008, 10:35 PM

Thanks for the tip!

Seinatra · 08-18-2008, 11:19 AM

Hey at least you did not get shot at!! That is always a potential nowadays.

Schmoopie · 08-23-2008, 04:08 AM

That was nice of you to go to the trouble of rolling down your window to appologize. It wasn't really your fault (or the other person). Blame it on the traffic! It sounds like you did the best you could!

08-15-2008, 10:35 PM	#1
IGNTBone Member Senior Member Join Date: May 03, 2000 Location: Tequesta, FL Posts: 1,201	The "I'm Sorry Wave" doesn't work in real life Hey guys, just thought I'd share a story in which I tried to apply a Seinfeld-ism in my daily life, but it didn't work as I'd hoped. I went to the bank to withdraw money for a trip I was planning. I get the money no problem. However, getting out from the parking lot to the street was tricky, as there was an unusual amount of traffic for that the time of day. I finally make my move at the first break I see. I'm driving along in the middle lane, watching for where I would usually turn off to head home. The intersections of the grid streets look the same, and at the last minute, I realize I should've gotten into the left turn lane. Instinctively, I hit my blinker, and attempted to sneak into the turn lane before I ran out of leeway. I didn't see a van in my blind spot, and ended up cutting a woman off. No one was hurt, but my next instinct was to communicate that I was sorry and hope she just thought I was a jerk (in a manner of speaking). So I gave her the wave of my hand to signal that it was my fault (hands up, eyes down), and continued on my way. Next thing I know, the lady pulls up next to me at the next light, and rolls her window down. Uh-oh. My brain formulates a plan in nanoseconds, and I roll my own window down. Before she can say anything, I immediately lean over and sincerely shout "I'm very sorry ma'am, that was totally my fault." That's what she wanted, apparently, as she rolled her window back up, and I made it home without further incident. But the moral of this tale is... Don't think of using the "I'm Sorry Wave" in real traffic, because it may not be enough. I was lucky

08-15-2008, 10:35 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	Thanks for the tip!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

08-23-2008, 04:08 AM	#4
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	That was nice of you to go to the trouble of rolling down your window to appologize. It wasn't really your fault (or the other person). Blame it on the traffic! It sounds like you did the best you could!
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

08-18-2008, 11:19 AM	#3
Seinatra Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 29, 2004 Location: Gran Chaco Posts: 1,840	Hey at least you did not get shot at!! That is always a potential nowadays.