You know those moments when you look back at a text you sent, or remember a comment you made in the heat of a Monday morning meeting, and your internal monologue just screams, “Tina, why are you like this?”
Usually, that’s where the “Delete for Everyone” button or a sudden, unexplained move to a different country comes in. But lately, I’ve been leaning into a different vibe. I’ve realized that I actually love taking accountability.
Stepping Onto the Podiums of Accidental Foot-in-Mouth Syndrome
Not because I’m some enlightened saint who never messes up—trust me, if there was an Olympic medal for “Accidental Foot-in-Mouth Syndrome,” I’d be on the podium. I love it because, yes, I did say that. And honestly? I usually have a very specific, slightly chaotic reason why.
We’ve all been there. Someone comes at you with, “Hey, do you remember saying you’d have that report done by Friday?” or “Didn’t you say you were over your ex?”
The old Tina might have blinked rapidly and tried to gaslight the universe.
“Me? Friday? I think you’re thinking of a different Tina. I was in a fugue state.”
But the new Tina? I’m standing my ground. I’m looking them dead in the eye and saying, “I absolutely said that. And let me tell you exactly what was happening in my brain when those words escaped.”
Making Excuses vs. Explaining the Lore
There is a massive difference between making excuses and explaining the lore. When I take accountability, I’m not just saying “my bad.” I’m giving you the behind-the-scenes director’s commentary of my life.
The Behind-the-Scenes Breakdown
- The Incident: I told my best friend I’d be ready in 5 minutes. I arrived 45 minutes later.
- The Accountability: “Yes, I said 5 minutes. I was lying to myself and to you.”
- The Why: “I saw a spider, then I got distracted by a TikTok about how to regrow green onions in a jar, and then I realized I didn’t have the right socks. It was a journey.”
See? It’s much more fun than just saying “sorry.” It turns a mistake into a story. It lets people into the beautiful, messy control room of my mind.
Owning Your “Cringe” is the Ultimate Power Move
Owning your “cringe” is the ultimate power move. When you say, “Yes, I said that thing that sounded absolutely unhinged,” you take the ammunition away from everyone else. You can’t make fun of me for being a mess if I’m already the president of the local Mess Club.
It’s about being human. We spend so much time trying to be “curated” and “on-brand.” We want to be the person who always says the right thing, hits every deadline, and never has a spicy take they later regret.
Why Perfect People are Boring
But that person is boring! The person who says, “Yeah, I told that guy his haircut looked like a startled alpaca, and here is the three-step logical progression that led me to that conclusion,” is someone people can actually relate to.
Put On Your Accountability Hat
So, if you’re reading this and you’re currently cringing at something you said yesterday: Stop. Embrace it. Put on your “Accountability Hat.”
The next time someone calls you out, don’t shrink. Expand! Tell them, “I did say that, and if you have twenty minutes, I’ll explain the series of unfortunate mental events that made it seem like a good idea at the time.”
Life is Too Short to Pretend We’re Perfect
Life is too short to pretend we’re perfect. I’d rather be the girl who owns her chaos than the girl who pretends she doesn’t have any.
Join the Conversation
What’s the most “Tina” thing you’ve had to take accountability for lately? Please tell me I’m not alone in the “Why Did I Say That” club.
Love your sense of humor, Tina, especially that response when accountability becomes needful: “I did say that, and if you have twenty minutes, I’ll explain the series of unfortunate mental events that made it seem like a good idea at the time.” That might get a chuckle out of the recipient of a cringe-worthy statement. Then they’ll be in a good frame of mind to receive a brief explanation and an apology. / You are not the only one who suffers with foot-in-mouth disease! But, as I’ve gotten older, I’m able to stop myself more proficiently, before those dreaded, untoward comments come blurting forward–not always, but at least often!
I found myself doing some of that, and yes, the taking responsibility was/is helpful. 😊