The problem here is that John took an absolutely personal moment and turned it into a public display, right away.
I hate to say he's to blame, but essentially he is - this is the sort of experience you need to stew on in your own little world, to learn about yourself; to learn where you are, who you are, and what exactly it means.
Vulnerability is a virtue, I believe this to be true, but some things need to be examined inwardly. Not presented to the anonymous, hostile internet at large. Not right away, anyway.
If you're reading this John, remember this: this incident was you in an eternal, original, important moment. Don't worry, rely, or care about what other people think. Only you experienced what you experienced, and only you get to reflect and remember that moment. Learn from it. Learn from it, and improve what you think you need to improve. And keep on improving, for one of these days, you'll perfect it.