12 Most Awkward Places to Have a Public Breakdown

Posted by Lydia Hrycko on July 15, 2019

It’s Cancer season and Mercury retrograde so if you’re barely holding it together, know you’re not alone. And frankly, in these trying times, newborns shouldn’t be the only ones allowed to just lose their shit wherever they damn well please. Sometimes the circumstances of life (and planetary alignments) are such that you just need to let all the emotions out and have a full-on meltdown. Like right now. Wherever that may be. To help commiserate, we’re counting down 12 of the wildest place we’ve let out our boo hoos and had a total meltdown. Go forward and cry, babies.

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    Meltdowns at a food counter

    Depending on the type of treat, the employees will react either with shock and horror or an 'I’ve seen it all before' attitude. Ice cream shop? This is nothing new. You’re in the hands of seasoned professionals. Get that extra scoop.
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    Breakdowns at an airport

    This is probably one of the most common so if you’ve got your passport stamped in Sad Girl Land, no worries. Airports are all about coming and going, hellos and goodbyes — so there are a myriad of reasons why you need a moment. Luckily there are countless bathrooms and bars open all hours of the night. Go off, crybabies.

    RELATED: 20 of the worst airport experiences you can have in the whole world.
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    Feelings explosion on an airplane

    This is like the slightly more awkward cousin of the former. All the same reasons apply, but now you’re in a more confined space, likely sandwiched between strangers. And now you’re the undesirable seatmate!

    Hot tip: Just throw on whatever tearjerker movie you can find on the in-flight entertainment system and blame the altitude.
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    Emotional releases while getting a massage

    Bonus awkward points here because even with your face down in the cushion, you can’t really hide the shoulder shakes. Sometimes you just have to ask your RMT to turn up the Enya and get to kneading.

    RELATED: 10 amazing wellness retreats you can actually afford.
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    Falling apart in a bar or club bathroom

    Honestly, this barely deserves to make the list, it’s so commonplace. If you’re not giving out hair scrunchies to your fellow bathroom attendees, you’re probably consoling some tipsy cutie on why their crush ain’t shit and they should get back on the dancefloor.

    RELATED: 10 reasons why you can't get over your ex.
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    Losing it in a workout class

    “Is that girl just really sweaty?” your fellow workout enthusiasts will think. You’ll never tell. Not all fitness classes are created equal, though. Go ahead and sob in Shavasana any old day but pop Zumba class may be a little less discreet. Either way, remember to hydrate well after.

    RELATED: 15 tricks to make your workout routine so much easier.
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    Losing your cool on public transit

    Paper transfers can double as tissues in a pinch and you’ll be more likely to get a row to yourself, so really this is not a bad choice as far as high traffic meltdowns go. And let’s be real, there’s probably a lot more to look at than whatever you’re going through.

    RELATED: Slice Squad presents our local guide to Toronto hot spots.
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    Emotional bankruptcy at the bank

    Whose finances haven’t made them cry, amirite? Bank employees are always super friendly as they’re locking away your hard earned dollar dollar bills so why not take advantage (just like they do during pride month when everything is suddenly rainbows and parade floats)? Make them your therapist for the day. Don’t hold back.
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    Coming apart at the grocery store

    Avoid the heavily congested aisles and you may be able to make this a private show. We recommend the pet food, seasonal or laundry detergent aisles. And once you’re done, you’re perfectly positioned for some retail therapy. Nail polish and ice cream? Add to cart.
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    Breakdowns at work

    We have all been here. This is what back rooms and bathroom stalls were made for. If you work a customer-facing job, make sure your supervisors get a good look at your tear-stained face and then take yourself out for an iced coffee. You deserve it.

    RELATED: What to do if you hate your job.
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    Wigging out in a fitting room

    Sometimes nothing is fitting right and the hateful store lighting is doing you no favours. Just make sure not to get any mascara stains on any merchandise you don’t intend on buying.
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    Going to pieces in an elevator

    This is peak awkward. Please accept our condolences. We only hope that there was a puppy stuck in there with you and it wanted to meet you despite their owner’s protests.

    RELATED: 9 times I thought my dog was warning me about my partner (and what he really meant).
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