34 Extremely Awkward Situations That We Can All Relate To, As Shared In This Thread
Article Created by: Mindaugas Balčiauskas
There are so many things that separate and divide us—politics, religion, favorite flavors of ice cream—that it can sometimes seem impossible that human beings are capable of getting along at all! Society, suddenly, seems on the precipice of constantly breaking down. However, there is one thing that deeply unites humanity—awkward moments.
Hear me out. It’s those moments when you tell someone ‘hi’ without them saying anything back, having your stomach rumble in public, or forgetting an acquaintance’s name (it’s way too late to ask them now!) that truly gets all of us cringing in embarrassment. Reddit users have been sharing these super awkward situations that everyone can relate to in a viral thread, so we’ve picked out the best of the best for you to enjoy, dear Pandas. Upvote the awkward moments that you’ve been in and share your own in the comments.
Meanwhile, I reached out to Vanessa Bohnsan Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at Cornell University and the author of the forthcoming book ‘You Have More Influence Than You Think,’ to learn more about the embarrassment that we feel in awkward situations and how’s it’s got its upsides. Check out her full interview with Bored Panda below, dear Pandas.
When you’ve had multiple interactions with someone but you can’t remember their name but it’s gone too far to admit you’ve forgotten it so you just have to call them love or mate forever.
When you’re having a conversation with someone and you don’t hear what they say so you ask them to repeat and they do. But you still don’t hear it and ask them to repeat again and they do. And you still don’t know what they said. Do you ask them to repeat again (and maybe still not hear it)? Pretend you heard it and nod your head and hope it’s an appropriate response? Stab yourself in the eye with a pen to create a diversion and change the subject?
When you’re next in line at the grocery store with your mom and she leaves you to “just get one more thing” and the anxiety and awkwardness builds because you’re up and she’s nowhere to be found.
When you’re walking on a sidewalk with 2 other friends and you’re the person that does not fit so you have to stay behind them.
When you’re walking and almost trip for no reason and look back at the invisible stick that you tripped on.
When someone sits beside you in metro or bus when there are hundreds of seats available.
When you’re finishing up at the checkout and the cashier puts the notes on top of the receipt and then coins on top of that. Then the next person steps up and you’re fumbling, trying to disassemble the stack in your hand, gather your shopping, say thanks and move away at the same time.
When you’re walking behind someone that has a slightly slower pace than you, so you start to pass them, but then have that awkward moment when you’re walking next to them before you cut in front of them.
When you hold the door for someone but realize that they’re actually kinda far away so they have to do the awkward skipping thing and you feel awful.
When you reply to a stranger who says hello, but then realize they were on the phone and not speaking to you. Happened to me just yesterday and I didn’t get any sleep last night as I couldn’t stop reliving the moment.
Coming out of a public toilet after laying a beast and there is someone waiting to go in the cubicle.
When you run out of things to say during a conversation and you’re not quite sure how to end it.
When someone says words incorrectly like “expecially” but it’s rude to correct them because they’re a stranger, or your boss, or your new girlfriend’s/boyfriend’s parents… but you’re dying inside.
Someone showing everyone in the group something on their phone and waiting until it is your turn.
Go to wash your hands and the water comes out at a thousand miles an hour, splashing your crotch. You are of course, at work.
