Ive browsed through the collection of stories on this website before, and I have always silently congratulated myself

on avoiding such boorish and awkward behaviour. I thought that, while I may not be the most polite, well behaved person in the world, I was exceptionally polite for someone my age. I no longer feel that way. A few days ago, while out Christmas shopping with a friend, we stopped to have a snack and a rest at a local cafe. While I was there, a lady with a large scar down her face walked in, and seated herself at the table opposite me. I am pleased to say that nobody in the cafe gawped, and the waitress was calm and professional as she served her. I felt a rush of happiness to witness the impeccable manners of those around me. It was not to last long. After our snack, my friend excused herself. Bored in her absence, I began to daydream, staring off into space. A deliberate cough returned me to reality. To my shock and horror, I had been staring, almost gawping, directly at the lady with the scar! She was understandably upset, and quickly left the cafe. In my shock and embarrassment, I did not manage to explain to her what had happened. My friend returned to find me silent and shocked, while most of the cafe patrons shot me disapproving and even openly hostile looks. I felt like an insensitive boor.