A couple years ago, I told a college professor of mine that he should come out and play the course with two other classmates and me. I offered purely just out of politeness. I wasn't actually interested in sharing a day with him outside of my school life...A couple of weeks later, I got an email from him. He asked if he could play golf on Saturday, at that great guest rate that I said I could get. I felt so awkward, and didn't know what to say...I was completely shocked that he asked. I politely responded saying that I was actually working, so I wouldn't be able to play on Saturday. I said maybe some other time, and apologized.
What made it even MORE awkward, was his response. Let me paraphrase it for you:
"Katie, sorry for the confusion but I was implying that I wanted to come out and play with a foursome there. Not golf with you. Sorry about that. Is that deal still up for grabs?"
WOW. So, not only did I misinterpret the original question, I now CREATED the awkwardness that followed, by assuming he wanted to play golf with me, alone. I believe my face was beyond beet red at this point. Needless to say, I ended up getting him onto the course, by pulling some strings. I didn't particularly want to, but that's just how nice I am, I suppose.
Regardless, it made for a very awkward Monday class...
