The Lies We Tell Ourselves Before Leaving the House in Lubbock

There’s a moment before leaving the house in Lubbock where optimism briefly takes control. You’re standing there, keys in hand, looking outside, convincing yourself that this time will be different. It never is. But we keep lying anyway.

“I won’t be gone long,” is the most common lie. This usually means you’re running one quick errand that will somehow involve traffic, an unexpected conversation, and at least one stop you didn’t plan on. You will return home hours later, slightly annoyed and hungry.

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Photo by Ocean Ng on Unsplash

“It’s not that windy,” is another classic. You say this while actively watching the trees lean at an angle that feels threatening. Five minutes later, you’re being exfoliated by dirt and reconsidering all your life choices.

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Photo by Oliver Hihn on Unsplash

“I don’t need a jacket,” is said year-round. In the winter, this is a delusion. In the summer, you’re forgetting that some buildings in Lubbock believe air conditioning is a competitive sport.

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Photo by Mia Anderson on Unsplash

Read More: Lubbock Listeners Share Their Funniest Public Mishaps

“I’ll just run inside real quick,” is usually said before entering a store where someone you know works. This turns into a 20-minute conversation you didn’t emotionally prepare for, followed by awkwardly trying to escape without being rude.

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Photo by James Michael Vallado on Unsplash

“I’ll remember to grab everything I need,” is bold, considering you’ve already forgotten something important and won’t realize it until you’re halfway there. Turning around feels like admitting defeat, so you’ll just suffer.

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Photo by Jim Wilson on Unsplash

And finally, “This outfit is fine.” It’s not. The wind will humble you. The weather will shift. The situation will change. Lubbock will make sure of it.

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Photo by Alejo Reinoso on Unsplash

Yet somehow, tomorrow, we’ll stand by the door again. Keys in hand. Hope intact. Ready to lie to ourselves one more time.

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