Invited to a Buffet That Didn't Exist
Last two weeks, my company hosted a Chinese New Year buffet lunch. About an hour after it started, I went to the designated meeting room to grab some food from the buffet. On my way, I passed a meeting room filled with management and a clique gathered in the sofa area.
But when I stepped into the designated room, instead of a buffet spread, I was met with a sea of tables occupied by colleagues—many of whom I might not have even met before. The buffet setup was nowhere to be found. I awkwardly turned around and walked right back out. It felt like every eye in the room was on me. I made the dreaded walk of shame back to my desk, retracing my steps past the same clique and the same management-filled meeting room, feeling absolutely mortified.
My manager decided to locate the buffet for me. I wanted to decline and just buy my own lunch, but she insisted I go with her. Still chuckling in embarrassment, I agreed. Together, we passed the meeting room filled with management, the clique, and the crowded tables in the designated room. Taking one look, we both silently cued each other, turned on our heels, and did the walk of shame together back to our desks.
The buffet remained a mystery.
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