We have all experienced it at some point in our lives: You don’t know what to say or what to do. You’re keenly aware of yourself and how you’re standing, how you’re looking and what you’re doing.
“Socially awkward” is a term college students frequently use to refer to certain situations, but can this unpleasant feeling actually be a lifetime struggle for some individuals?
“Socially awkward is being put into a social situation and not adequately being able to carry out a conversation,” said Andrew Royce, a civil engineering sophomore.
Although it’s natural to feel awkward around people you don’t know very well, for some, this feeling is ever present when it comes to social interaction. Even the simplest tasks that involve socialization can be a disaster to those who consider themselves socially awkward.
The Internet has been an effective way for these individuals to communicate and to overcome social ineptness by giving them a feel for how conversations are supposed to flow.
Awkwardness is relatable because everyone — regardless of whether they admit it — experiences embarrassing conversations and run-ins. The term socially awkward is not a derogatory term; it is a preference for some who don’t wish to be the life of a party.
“Being socially awkward at times is a part of life that should be embraced and enjoyed,” said Ron Thrasher, a part-time sociology professor. “We should not take ourselves so seriously.”
Tips for beating social awkwardness:
• Focus on the person you are talking to and not on the impression you are making
• Be a good listener.
• Don’t become obsessed with what you are going to say next.
• Relax — be yourself.
Social awkwardness is inevitable, but it allows people to build and learn. So for all the socially awkward out there, you are not alone. Live for the awkward situations that occur and laugh at them afterward.
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