How to Stop Being Awkward: 8 Strategies and Tips

Introduction

Awkwardness is an emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. According to the Oxford Dictionary, awkwardness is defined as “the state of feeling embarrassed or socially uncomfortable”. It is something that can be caused by a variety of different factors, including fear of judgement, low self-confidence, lack of experience, and unfamiliar environments.

Making Eye Contact

Making eye contact is one of the most important elements of social interaction. According to psychologist Dr. Jeremy Dean, eye contact helps to create a sense of connection between two people and can even make conversations more enjoyable. Here are some tips for making eye contact:

• Make sure your gaze is relaxed and comfortable. Avoid staring too intensely.
• Smile when you make eye contact. This will help you appear more approachable.
• Maintain eye contact for a few seconds before breaking it off. Too much can be uncomfortable.
• Pay attention to the other person’s cues. If they seem uncomfortable, break off the eye contact.

Practicing Self-Awareness

Self-awareness can also help reduce feelings of awkwardness. According to psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, self-awareness is “knowing what you’re feeling, why you’re feeling it, and what to do about it.” Here are some tips for practicing self-awareness:

• Notice your body language. Are you standing up straight or slouching? Are you smiling or frowning?
• Identify how you’re feeling. Are you anxious, excited, or nervous?
• Listen to your inner dialogue. Are you telling yourself negative or positive things?
• Understand why you’re feeling the way you do. Is it because of something someone said or did?

Listening and Asking Questions

Listening and asking questions is another great way to reduce feelings of awkwardness. According to communication expert Marla Tabaka, listening and asking questions shows that you are engaged in the conversation and interested in what the other person has to say. Here are some tips for listening and asking questions:

• Be mindful of the other person’s body language. Are they leaning in or away from you?
• Focus on understanding rather than responding. Try to really understand what the other person is saying.
• Ask questions that show you’re interested and curious. Avoid yes/no questions.
• Allow for silence. Don’t feel like you have to fill every space in the conversation.

Being Open to New Experiences

Being open to new experiences can also help reduce feelings of awkwardness. According to psychologist Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, being open to new experiences means being willing to try new things, meet new people, and explore unfamiliar environments. Here are some tips for being open to new experiences:

• Try something new each week. It could be anything from a new food to a new activity.
• Go to events or places that you wouldn’t normally go to. You may find something unexpected.
• Talk to people you don’t know. Everyone has a story to tell.
• Be willing to take risks. It can be scary, but it can also be very rewarding.

Using Positive Self-Talk

Using positive self-talk is another great way to reduce feelings of awkwardness. According to psychotherapist Dr. Margaret Rutherford, positive self-talk is “talking to yourself in a kind, encouraging way.” Here are some tips for using positive self-talk:

• Be aware of your thoughts. Are you telling yourself negative or positive things?
• Challenge negative thoughts. Ask yourself if they are actually true.
• Focus on the positives. Acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments.
• Recognize your progress. Celebrate small wins and successes.

Finding a Mentor

Finding a mentor is another great way to reduce feelings of awkwardness. According to life coach Dr. Shaunti Feldhahn, having a mentor can provide guidance, support, and encouragement when you need it most. Here are some tips for finding a mentor:

• Think about who you admire. Who do you look up to? Who would you like to learn from?
• Reach out to potential mentors. Send them an email or ask to meet up for coffee.
• Be specific about what you want from the relationship. What do you hope to get out of it?
• Be honest about your goals. What do you want to achieve in the long run?

Learning From Others

Finally, learning from others is another great way to reduce feelings of awkwardness. According to psychologist Dr. Francesca Gino, learning from others means observing their behavior, asking questions, and trying to understand why they do certain things. Here are some tips for learning from others:

• Pay attention to how others interact with each other. What do they do differently?
• Observe how people handle difficult situations. What strategies do they use?
• Ask questions and listen to the answers. What do they think about certain topics?
• Find common ground. What do you have in common with the other person?

Conclusion

Feeling awkward can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By making eye contact, practicing self-awareness, listening and asking questions, being open to new experiences, using positive self-talk, finding a mentor, and learning from others, you can reduce your feelings of awkwardness and become more confident in social situations.