Things I Fear: Your Credit Card Being Declined

Picture this: You're out for a night on the town with that special someone in your life that no one has ever actually seen you with so they assume doesn't actually exist.
So you're trying to be the alpha male (Or alpha female. I guess that's a thing) by paying for everything and asserting yourself as a real Mr. MoneyBags. Things are going really well and you're at the final stages of the date which involves paying for more spontaneous purchases that includes ice cream, mini golf, and blimp tickets that are only available for 17 minutes in late April. The point is: things are going well and you're spending money like a bandit. When suddenly the waiter, shop clerk, or barista hands your card back to you and quietly (or very loudly) explains the many reasons why your card has been rejected. You sheepishly turn towards your date only to find out that she has turned into a pile of sand. That, or she has left the restaurant in embarrassment and utter disgust. Either way, your worst fear has finally come true: Your credit card has been declined.

Now this fear isn't limited to just credit cards. It can also occur with a debit card, gift card, coupon, or any form of money. The worst is when you open your wallet to pay for a pack of gum only to find that you don't even own a wallet because you couldn't afford one. Any time you're in a situation that requires you to openly demonstrate your lack of a monetary collection, you might be faced with the hard truth thanks to the merciless individual holding the...card reading machine. I'm sure there's a word for that.

There are several reasons why you might fear this happening to you. You might think that the primary concern would be that you just found out you don't have any money, but that is false. That should never be a concern. If it takes a rejected credit card to find out that you can't afford to buy a pair of slacks, you have more issues to worry about. The biggest reason for this fear stems from a much deeper, psychological explanation. It's a reason that, in many ways, defines who you are and dictates who you will become.  I can't tell you what that reason is because I haven't thought of anything funny or clever to say.

That one ended pretty abruptly.