That moment you confidently wave

You see a motion from across the street, your brain goes full hero mode, and you launch a wave like you're greeting royalty. Spoiler: you did not just summon an audience. bruh.

Why it happens (science: 0, panic: 100)

Peripheral vision lies. Phones distract. Social anxiety invites overcompensation. Combine those and you perform a one-person greeting to the void — a classic human flex that ends in mild shame and viral potential.

The aftermath — immediate damage control

Freeze. Smile like you meant it. Pretend you were stretching. Or become a street mime and bow. Expect phantom high-fives and the occasional sympathetic chuckle. SMH, big oof energy.

How to recover like a pro (or fake it till you’re famous)

Option A: Own it — wave harder and act like you started a flash mob. Option B: Blame the wind. Option C: Walk away slowly, sunglasses on, like that was performance art. Meme creators will find you either way.