A ghost pepper pizza dare at my friend's engagement party led to an unexpected early departure

During the toast at my buddy's engagement party, his brother-in-law produced a homemade pizza topped with what he claimed were 'mild' ghost peppers, challenging anyone to finish a slice. I, along with three others, took the bait, assuming it was all in good fun. The first bite was manageable, but by the third, my vision blurred and I started sweating profusely, which clashed with my formal attire. One guest, a graphic designer named Leo, made a beeline for the backyard and accidentally hosed down the dessert table in his panic. The bride-to-be was notably unamused as we all scrambled for milk, leaving the party with a palpable awkwardness and half-eaten pizza. Now I'm invited to a summer barbecue where similar antics are rumored, and I'm hesitant to participate again. Does anyone have strategies for gracefully bowing out of these impromptu challenges without looking like a coward? Alternatively, is there a way to mitigate the aftermath if I do cave, beyond the usual dairy remedy?

2 comments

2 Comments

noah_kelly6010h ago

Remember reading that yogurt beats milk for pepper heat.

phoenix36610h ago

Yogurt beating milk? @noah_kelly60, that's a spicy revelation.