To describe myself as socially awkward would be an understatement. I often find myself saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, losing track of my thoughts mid-sentence, and leaving stories unfinished. I frequently misinterpret social signals and struggle to determine how to respond appropriately—be it offering empathy, remaining silent, cracking a joke, giving advice, or offering a hug. Small talk is my nemesis; I stutter and fumble my words, feeling as uncoordinated as a newborn deer. My social awkwardness is as much an internal experience as it is an external one—an amalgamation of feelings and behaviors.
As an article on Healthline states, “social awkwardness isn’t classified as a mental health condition.” It is more about a collection of feelings and experiences that create a pattern in one’s life, often resulting from a failure to recognize social cues or misunderstand others’ body language. According to therapist Mia Johnson, “individuals who are socially awkward may find it challenging to engage in conversations or integrate into groups, which can make them seem a little out of place.” Here are 13 truths that only those of us who are socially awkward will truly understand:
- You’re in a constant dialogue with yourself. From critiquing your own thoughts to worrying about your conversations, socially awkward people often feel like they’re battling their own minds. They frequently think, “Why did I say that? I’m so dumb,” leading to an endless stream of self-criticism.
- You’d rather undergo dental work than attend a gathering. The thought of mingling with a crowd—especially one filled with inebriated individuals engaging in small talk—can be quite daunting.
- You’re unsure about hand placement. What are you supposed to do with your hands during a conversation? This common dilemma can leave socially awkward individuals feeling lost.
- Eye contact? No thanks. You tend to look away or glance around, avoiding direct eye contact because it feels like an invitation to engage more deeply.
- Accepting compliments is terrifying. When someone gives you a compliment, you feel uncomfortable and often deflect with a change of subject.
- Phone calls are your worst nightmare. Many socially awkward people dread talking on the phone, as it often leads to awkward small talk that they’d rather avoid.
- You’re hyper-aware of judgment. Socially awkward individuals are often self-conscious, fearing what others think and feeling like they can’t do anything right, even their laugh feels off.
- Your thoughts can be a jumbled mess. Ever experienced “verbal diarrhea”? It often happens when you’re trying to communicate but can’t quite articulate your thoughts.
- Ordering food is overwhelming. The pressure of making a decision and speaking to someone can turn even a simple fast-food order into a stressful situation.
- Names slip your mind. You might forget someone’s name right after being introduced, as your focus is on not embarrassing yourself rather than processing the moment.
- You’ve pretended to text or take a call to escape conversations. Many socially awkward people have crossed the street or feigned being busy to avoid awkward interactions.
- You’re often clumsy. From tripping over your own feet to knocking things over, your physical awkwardness mirrors your social struggles.
- You apologize constantly. Whether you spoke out of turn or chose to skip a social event, you find yourself saying “sorry” more often than not.
If you find yourself relating to these truths, know that you are not alone. For more insights and tips, check out this post on home insemination or learn more from the experts at Intracervical Insemination, which delve into related topics. Additionally, for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Johns Hopkins Medicine.