Murphy's Law: 5 Horrible Timing Situations Of All Time

Murphy's Law says that if something can go wrong, it will. We often encounter this when something doesn't just wrong but goes wrong at the worst possible time. Here are five common Murphy's Law situations and advice for how to help them.

1. Gas In The Elevator With Your Boss

You shouldn't have had chili cheese fries with lunch. Now you're trying to beat a hasty retreat. Of course, this is when your boss happens to follow you into the elevator. The best thing (after holding your gas) is to ignore it if it isn't bad and hope it escapes notice. If it's loud or smelly, you should acknowledge it by excusing yourself.

2. Caught Singing Badly In The Car

Most drivers are guilty of singing along to the radio. Sadly, most of us lack the vocal talent to accompany these songs well. Usually you're doing a bad reach for a high note or at top volume when you notice somebody staring at you from the next lane. Sometimes, it's even a cop. Crimes against music aren't actually illegal, so keep rocking!

3. Clogging a Toilet As A Guest

Whether you're house-sitting or a dinner guest, you don't want intestinal disaster to strike in somebody else's home. Whether you forgot to double flush or because of an errant feminine hygiene item, seeing the toilet bowl refuse to empty causes both deep embarrassment and instant panic. If there's a plunger nearby, try using it and cleaning up yourself before alerting your host. If you must ask for help, do so quietly and privately. If you're house sitting, the experts from Larkin Plumbing say to just call a plumber and foot the bill.

4. Children Using Bad Language At Church

There are few worse places for a child to explore colorful language than church. Somehow, it seems to happen just as the priest or pastor is within earshot. Worst of all, often this is the first you're hearing these words yourself--you had no idea Junior knew that word! The best thing to do is quietly correct your child. No need to draw more attention by shouting about it!

5. Spilling Drinks Before A Job Interview

Of course you'll spill that coffee down your front five minutes before a job interview, long after there's time to go home and change. The critical thing here: think on your feet. Can you button a blazer over the stain? Is there a place to buy a new shirt? If not, a quick joke may help move past it if you notice the interviewer looking at it.