Embarrassment passes faster than wondering what might have happened.

Embarrassment is intense and short. It burns for an evening, occasionally a week, and then it fades into a story you barely think about. Not knowing what would have happened has no expiry; it stays available to be picked up at any quiet moment for the rest of your life.

When the fear of looking foolish is holding you back, put the two durations side by side honestly. Ask how much you will care about this particular embarrassment in a year. Then ask how long you would wonder. The comparison rarely favours the safe option once both sides are actually measured.