Sometimes I recall past events in my life with either embarrassment or amusement.  It really depends on how stupid my behavior was at the time.

When I was 13 to 16  I ran around with a group of fellow teens.  They were good guys and girls, generally well behaved, and we had loads of fun together.  Of course, I was anxious to make a good impression on everyone – especially the girls.  I tried to appear sophisticated and always ready with a bon mot, but actually I was a rather ignorant clod.  Rapier like wit has never been my strong point.

Nevertheless, I distinctly remember one evening with the group when I established an undying reputation as a master of clever repartee.  Another member of the gang had said something which called for comment, and I searched my mind desperately for an amusing response.  Before I could get it out, someone else came out with another remark, and when I finally made my own comment the entire group collapsed into hysterics.  They actually applauded me for my brilliance and speed of delivery. Problem was, what I said was not that funny, so the reaction had to be because it was a perfect response to the second person’s remark.  I had no idea what that person had said.

Do you think that I would admit that my witty remark was a sheer accident?  No way!   I basked in my brief moment of glory. 

But I have always wondered what it was that that second person had said.  I will never know.