If you are someone who would describe yourself as ‘awkward’, then you know just how debilitating it can sometimes be. Whether you bring the awkwardness yourself or somehow manage to find yourself in the centre of awkward situations time and time again, the fact of the matter is that you would rather not have to go through life like that! Here are some ways to outsmart awkwardness.
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1. Natural Response
A lot of internal awkwardness stems from the pauses that you take trying to find the perfect answer to something, and you will find that you have a much easier time in conversation if you spend less brain power on preparing what to say, and just let your instincts take over. You will feel much less awkward!
Natural response in conversation refers to the spontaneous and instinctive way of communicating without overthinking. According to the article, this can help individuals overcome their awkwardness and feel more confident in social interactions. This is because when we rely on our natural response, we are not preoccupied with trying to find the perfect answer or response, which can often lead to pauses and discomfort. By letting our instincts take over, we can have a more fluid and effortless conversation, making it easier to connect with others. This approach can be particularly helpful for women, as societal expectations often place pressure on them to always have the right things to say. By embracing their natural response, women can feel more empowered and authentic in their interactions.
2. Admit It
Some people are just naturally shyer and more awkward, and that is totally fine. You can rip the Band-Aid off really effectively by just admitting that you are feeling anxious or awkward about a situation. People will understand and that unspoken weirdness won’t be there!
Admitting to your shyness or awkwardness can actually be a powerful tool in overcoming it. It shows vulnerability and honesty, which can make others feel more comfortable and less awkward around you. This technique is especially effective in social situations, where admitting your discomfort can help break the ice and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, acknowledging your awkwardness can also help you feel more confident and in control of the situation. It shows that you are aware of your feelings and are willing to work through them, rather than trying to hide or suppress them. So don't be afraid to be honest about your awkwardness - it can actually help you overcome it.
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3. Don’t Worry about Saying the Wrong Thing
Lots of tension can arise when you spend all of your time trying not to say the wrong thing. This is particularly noticeable when you are with someone who is grieving or sad. The truth is you don’t have to say anything at all; simply just being with the person often be all the support that they need rather than awkward words.
4. Own It
If you know that you have made a mistake in your words or your actions, the best thing to do is own up to it straight away. The awkwardness only has a chance to grow and develop in the background when you leave your mistakes unsaid. Bringing it up yourself and making a joke out of it is always the best way to go.
5. Embrace Limitations
You in yourself will be aware of the situations and scenarios that make you feel the most awkward, so you if you know deep down how a particular thing is going to make you feel, you can always make the mature decision to accept your limitations and perhaps give something a miss.
6. Stay Quiet
If you don’t have to speak, then don’t if you don’t want to! Let other people take the lead in a group setting and just chime in with little bits and bobs when you feel safe and comfortable to do so. You don’t always have to be the one who tries to awkwardly guide the conversation.