How embarrassing! (physical and emotional aspects of embarrassment)

For the big game of the year, Gary was brought up from the junior varsity to play running back with the varsity football team. Late in the game he broke through the line and headed for a sure touchdown. No one was within 1 0 yards of him when he tripped over his own feet and fell.

"I was so embarrassed!" Gary said. "I was a good player and have played a lot of big games, but I'll always remember that moment."

Karen vividly remembers her "big" moment as well. A guy she had liked for months asked her to the prom. During dinner she dumped an entire bowl of salsa onto the…