7 Useful Tips for Socially Awkward People ...

1. Don’t View Yourself as a Socially Awkward Person

I know this article is titled 7 Useful Tips for Socially Awkward People, but that’s just it! You HAVE to stop seeing yourself as a socially awkward person! Social awkwardness happens to everyone, so what really defines a socially awkward person? If you keep attributing social awkwardness to your character, you’re less likely to be comfortable in social situations, and more likely to be awkward and make yourself and others feel uncomfortable. Once you realize that you’re a normal person who gets in socially awkward situations just like everyone else, you’ll be so much better off.

2. Memorize Names

A great tip to help you avoid socially awkward situations is to memorize peoples’ names. It can be an extremely awkward thing when you meet someone and immediately forget that person’s name. Too many times, someone else joins the conversation, and you have the responsibility of introducing that person to the newcomer. That awkwardness can be avoided if you remember that person’s name.

3. Ask Questions

If you’re in a situation and you feel the awkward turtle creeping slowly upon you, ask questions! Think of appropriate things you’d like to know about that person, and ask away! Asking questions can take the pressure off of you, and help you get to know the person, making the conversation a lot more bearable.

4. Be as Honest as Possible

Nothing’s more awkward than telling a bunch of kind strangers about how you were prom queen in high school, and having an old peer approach the group and say, “no you weren't.” Be honest lest you face social awkwardness and guilt for lying. I’ve seen it happen. It was totally embarrassing.

5. Realize Silence Doesn’t Have to Be Awkward

I’m sure everyone has had to live through a few awkward silences in their lifetimes, but it’s important to know that every silence doesn’t have to be awkward. If conversation stops, it doesn’t get awkward until you press your lips together, look wide-eyed around the room, and say, “soooo…. how about those Lakers?” Don’t make silence awkward. When the silence gets uncomfortable for you, smile, check your phone, or ask a question if you must.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Clarity

Many socially awkward situations occur when someone is too afraid to ask for clarity. Have you ever been in a situation when someone said, “Will you (mumble mumble mumble mumble)?” and you just said “Uh-huh,” because you didn’t want to ask the person to say it again? This happens so much! If you don’t understand someone, ask for clarity. Yes, it might be awkward to keep asking that person to repeat him or herself, but it’s more awkward to have to call off the engagement you accidentally agreed to because you didn’t want to ask for clarity.

7. Practice

The more you experience social situations, the less awkward you’ll feel. Seek out conversation with strangers (it’s a lot less pressure) and you’ll feel more and more comfortable over time, and soon you’ll be ready for anything!

In the end it’s not about avoiding every socially awkward situation, because it’s impossible to avoid every possible awkward moment that may arise; however, what’s most important is how you deal with those situations. Don’t dwell on it too much, and don’t deem yourself the queen of social awkwardness. Let it happen and move on. I hope you found these tips helpful! Can you think of any other tips that’ll help those who frequently end up in socially awkward situations?