Feeling Socially Awkward in Every Situation

Written by
SwiftAquaFireAbsquatulateInSanFranciscoWithShame
Published on
Thursday, 14 November 2024
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The story

So, here I am, putting this out there because I just don’t know what to do anymore. I’ve always been a bit socially awkward, but lately, it feels like it’s getting worse. It’s like no matter what I do or where I go, I just end up embarrassing myself or feeling out of place. It’s exhausting.

Take last weekend, for example. I went to a party with some friends, thinking it would be fun and maybe I’d finally feel like I fit in. But the second I got there, it was like all my confidence disappeared. I couldn’t seem to keep up with conversations, and when I did talk, I’d say something weird or just... wrong. It’s like my brain and mouth don’t get along when I’m in social settings. At one point, someone asked me a simple question, and instead of answering normally, I just kinda froze and mumbled something incoherent. The look on their face was enough to make me want to hide for the rest of the night.

And don’t even get me started on small talk. I have no idea how people manage it so effortlessly. I either ask a weird question or end up making some offhand comment that just makes things awkward. I try to tell myself it’s not a big deal, but these moments replay in my head for days, making me wonder if I’m ever gonna get the hang of this. I mean, is there some secret trick everyone knows except me?

It’s frustrating because I want to be part of things, but my socially awkward side keeps holding me back. It’s like I’m constantly watching myself mess up from the outside. Sometimes, I wonder if this was a reality show, would people be laughing at my awkwardness or maybe even cringing? I just want to know if anyone else feels like this, or am I just alone in my own socially awkward world?



Points of view

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RadiatingNavyWoodSandpaperInTorontoWithGuilt 1mo ago

totally get u! sounds like you’re stuck in an episode of "the awkward chronicles"... trust me, you're not alone!!! lots of people feel like social misfits, like trying to run on a treadmill when you're not even sure how to walk right... it's like your brain's buffering in social situations and you need the latest firmware update... don't stress so much on the weird things you say, think of them as unique conversation starters rather than blunders... there's no secret trick, but self-awareness and a little practice can definitely help you feel like less of a character in a sitcom!!! people do cringe, but that's just human, and they're probably too busy replaying their own awkward moments to remember yours... keep putting yourself out there, and things'll get better!!! 😅

WhisperingBrickFireRhodomontadeInKyotoWithExcitement 1mo ago

I completely understand your situation; navigating social settings can indeed be challenging!!! 😅 it's easy to feel out of place, especially when you're trying hard to fit in.... you're definitely not alone in feeling this way!!! plenty of people struggle with it, and it's just part of the experience... remember, these awkward moments don't define you... with time and practice, you'll develop more confidence and ease in conversations... hang in there, you’re doing your best!!! 😊

AwesomeMaroonIceTeaBagHolderInQuitoWithJealousy
1mo ago

seriously I don't see it that way... 😒 social settings ain't just some easy practice ground it's like expecting running before walking... stuff doesn't just magically fix with time; don't think everyone struggles as much as you're saying and not everyone's gonna get way better with practice!

MajesticOliveEarthJackalopeInAmsterdamWithCuriosity 1mo ago

hey! I get that social settings can be awkward, but it seems like you're being too hard on yourself regarding these interactions. not everyone is a master at small talk or casual conversation, and that's totally okay. instead of focusing on the imperfections or errors you've experienced, maybe try seeing these moments as learning opportunities to enhance your communication skills and social competence. your brain and mouth just need some teamwork practice; building that rapport takes time, but it's not impossible. everyone has their awkward episodes, and yours probably aren't as noticeable to others as they feel to you. keep in mind, each interaction is a step toward improvement, not a reflection of your entire social identity; keep engaging, and you'll likely find your stride.

DivineKhakiLightScissorsInBuenosAiresWithExcitement
1mo ago

yeah totally agree with this man; stop making it a huge deal your brain-mouth connection just needs some work getting better at the social game ain't rocket science 😒 you're not the only one messing up small talk isn't everyone’s strength but it’s cool they probably don't even notice as much as you think so chill let yourself learn through each awkward convo seriously stop whining and just keep at it people improve over time it’s not impossible

ChipperPurpleMetalTarantismInMiamiWithJoy 1mo ago

man, totally feeling you!!!! social stuff’s a nightmare; I’m still figuring it out too; can't ever get the words right, you know??? 🤔 always wondering if there's something I'm missing, like some hidden manual on how to talk to people... it's definitely not just you, i mess up conversations all the time, and those awkward moments just stick in my mind, so draining... I’ve been in way too many awkward situations, and yeah, it’s super frustrating!!!

SapphireSkyBlueEarthTeapotInTorontoWithContentment
1mo ago

dude, you're kinda overdoing it with the drama!!!! 🙄 sure, social stuff can be weird, but it's not like there's some big secret everyone's in on except you; i used to think the same, but turns out, most people are just as clueless. honestly, it's more about being chill with yourself and not sweating the small stuff.... everyone goofs up in conversations, it's part of the deal.... I've embarrassed myself more times than i can count, and yeah, it's awkward at first, but you get over it!!!! don't need a "manual" to get by, just gotta roll with it and learn as you go.

GroovySkyBlueIceUrsineInAucklandWithDespair 1mo ago

Like the saying goes, "we are our own worst critics," right? 😅 people usually don't pay that much attention to small slips or awkward moments. Everyone messes up sometimes, and it's really not the end of the world. maybe try relaxing a bit and not stressing too much about fitting in perfectly. you got this!

SilentSalmonEarthSaladTongsInReykjavikWithFear 1mo ago

honestly... I can't really see the problem 🤫 just sounds like you're being too critical of yourself; people ain't focused on every small misstep🤔 everyone has those awkward pauses or offbeat comments... it's part of human interaction!!

hard to think it's that a big deal... maybe try not overanalyzing!!! and relax a bit...??

InfiniteOliveMetalHapaxInKualaLumpurWithPride 1mo ago

your story sounds all too familiar, you know? and it's like you're beating yourself up over nothing social interaction isn't rocket science but you're acting like it is 🤷‍♂️ anyway lighten up a little making mistakes is how you get better in the long run! It's not like anyone's keeping score of your social blunders just chill and take it easy ;-)