The Court Of Curiosity

A cautionary tale about people-pleasing, petty lies, and the walls we build ourselves.

One time, I told a lie that became true. I was having a conversation with someone, and they asked me if I had any hobbies. I don’t know why, but I ended up telling them that I was into rock climbing. It was a lie. An outright lie because I actually hate rock climbing. I’ve tried it several times and I realized that I’m afraid of heights, I hate the feeling of chalk on my hands, and I’ve never had a good time.

Their eyes lit up when I told them. They were so excited. They’d been looking for someone to go climbing with. Since I’m a people pleaser, I agreed to go to a climbing gym with them. Fuck.

I ended up buying my own shoes and chalk, so I seemed more authentic. Fuck.

I started going to the climbing gym with them once a week. Fuck.

I am really really afraid of heights. Did I mention that?

I’ve been getting better at rock climbing but I hate it more and more every day.

10 years later, we’re married and own our own climbing gym. We have 2 kids that love climbing.

I hate my life.

Fuck.