We all know that person who falls all the time. I am not saying I'm one of those, but it is only 10 in the morning and I've tripped or fallen at least three times...
This was a thing that has been a problem for me since middle school. I once ran through a window and that was the start of my journey... of public embarrassment. I run into doors quite often, and a lot of people don't notice because I have learned how to play it off pretty well.
What I have found to be amazing is that in college, we all have a mutual understanding of our exhaustion, clumsiness, along with many other things. Many of these things we would laugh at each other for if we were not in college. It's now acceptable to wear sweatpants to class without being asked if you got dressed this morning.
Tripping and falling down the stairs is among what of these understandings we have for each other.
When I was on a tour during the first week of classes, I was told that the campus stairs were many people's enemy. The stairs on campus can have many issues with them. These are including, but not limited to, being too steep, being too close together, being too far apart, and moving away from you when you look away from them or send a quick text to your friend.
The eye contact you make with a person nearby after falling can be comfortable. The initial freak out and panic attack of who saw you fall is the only uncomfortable moment that occurs.
One set of stairs in the dining hall is where you can see multiple people fall a day. People you know, people you don't know, and you yourself will fall here. Don't be afraid. It happens to literally everyone.
If you do happen to see someone fall, make sure that person is okay. If you want to play it off like it's cool just say something like "Hey man, you good?" or if you are okay with being a bit more simple just ask "Are you okay?" It's really simple. I saw someone fall once and they had a big gash on their leg. It did not look like a good time...
If you happen to be the one who fell, ask for help if you get hurt. PLEASE. I really don't want to follow your blood trail on my way to class. It looks like a crime scene. Also, don't be embarrassed. We have all been there before.
Who knew that walking to class was so dangerous. It's one of the reasons my friend skips class (the other being she would rather sleep). We are on the phone, we didn't sleep last night, or we just plain out not paying attention. Then boom, we fall on the stairs... Just keep swimming.
Also, watch where you're walking.
