We’ve all been there—after a conversation, you think back and cringe, wondering, “Why did I say that?”
Social awkwardness doesn’t always come from big blunders; it’s often the small, unnoticed behaviors that make things feel awkward.
Maybe it’s checking your phone too often or speaking a little too fast when you’re nervous.
According to experts, these subtle habits can make social situations more uncomfortable than they need to be.
Want to feel more at ease around others?
Start by saying goodbye to these eight small, but impactful, behaviors.
1) Overthinking every interaction
The first step towards becoming less socially awkward is to stop overanalyzing every social interaction.
Often, we get trapped in our thoughts, worrying about what we said, how we said it, or how it might be perceived.
This constant overthinking only serves to increase anxiety and awkwardness.
What’s important to remember is that everyone makes minor social missteps from time to time.
Most people are far too concerned with their own interactions to scrutinize yours in the way you might fear.
So, let go of the need to be perfect in every conversation.
Instead, focus on being present, genuine, and attentive.
This approach will not only reduce your feelings of awkwardness but also make your interactions more enjoyable and meaningful.
Ultimately, social skills are just that – skills. They can be improved with practice and patience.
2) Trying to please everyone
The truth is, you can’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay.
I learned this lesson the hard way.
I remember a time when I would bend over backwards to keep everyone around me happy.
I’d agree to things that I didn’t really want to do, or suppress my own opinions to avoid any potential conflict.
But, over time, this behavior only left me feeling drained and inauthentic.
The moment I decided to stop this people-pleasing behavior was a game-changer for me.
I started expressing my thoughts more openly and setting boundaries. Yes, it led to disagreements sometimes, but it also led to more genuine relationships.
By trying to please everyone, you might end up pleasing no one – least of all yourself.
So let go of this need. Be polite and considerate, but don’t compromise on your values and well-being just for the sake of pleasing others.
3) Avoiding eye contact
Eye contact is a powerful tool in social interactions.
According to a study published in the Journal of Research in Personality, maintaining eye contact can make you appear more likable and trustworthy.
However, if you’re feeling socially awkward, you might have a tendency to avoid eye contact.
This can send the wrong message, making you seem disinterested or even rude.
The good news is that this is a behavior you can easily change.
Start by consciously making an effort to maintain eye contact in your conversations.
It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with time, it will become more natural.
4) Dominating the conversation
While it’s great to share your thoughts and experiences, dominating the conversation isn’t the best way to go.
We’ve all been in a situation where someone takes over the conversation, turning it into a monologue rather than a dialogue.
This can be off-putting and lead to awkwardness.
A good conversation is about give and take.
It’s crucial to listen as much as you speak.
Show interest in what the other person is saying, ask follow-up questions, and make them feel valued.
Remember, making space for others to express themselves can lead to more meaningful and less awkward interactions.
So next time you’re having a conversation, ensure there’s a balance between speaking and listening.
5) Hiding your true self
There’s something incredibly freeing about being unapologetically yourself.
Yet, many of us hide our true selves for fear of judgment or rejection.
We put on a mask, pretending to be someone we’re not, hoping it will make us more accepted or liked.
But doing this often makes us feel more awkward and disconnected.
The beauty of human connections lies in our differences, our unique passions, quirks, and perspectives.
Embrace who you are, and don’t be afraid to show it to the world.
Yes, not everyone will appreciate your authenticity, and that’s okay.
Those who matter will value you for who you truly are.
Let go of the mask and let your true self shine through. It’s more endearing than you might think!
6) Fear of silence
Silence. It’s something that used to make me incredibly uncomfortable in social situations.
I felt a need to fill every pause with words, fearing that silence would be perceived as awkward or boring.
However, over time, I realized that these moments of quiet aren’t something to be feared, but rather embraced.
Silence gives us time to process thoughts, formulate responses, and can even deepen a conversation.
Attempting to fill every pause can lead to rushed and forced dialogue, which can feel more awkward than the silence itself.
7) Negative self-talk
The way we talk to ourselves significantly impacts our social interactions.
If you’re constantly telling yourself that you’re awkward, chances are, you’re going to feel awkward.
Negative self-talk only serves to undermine your confidence and magnify perceived social missteps.
It’s a destructive habit that can keep you trapped in a cycle of social awkwardness.
Instead, try replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
Remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes and that each interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow.
By fostering a kinder inner dialogue, you’ll not only feel less socially awkward but also more self-assured and confident in your interactions.
8) Not practicing active listening
Active listening is, without a doubt, one of the most important skills to master if you want to be less socially awkward.
It’s not just about hearing what someone says, but truly understanding, empathizing, and responding appropriately.
When you actively listen, you show the other person that you value their thoughts and feelings.
This can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections and significantly reduce feelings of social awkwardness.
So, the next time you’re in a conversation, make a conscious effort to really listen.
Put away distractions, maintain eye contact, and respond with thoughtful comments or questions.
You’ll be surprised at how much this simple behavior can enhance your social interactions.
Final thoughts:
Overcoming social awkwardness isn’t about a quick fix.
It’s a journey, one that requires patience, self-awareness, and practice.
The behaviors we’ve discussed may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on your social interactions.
Each step you take towards letting go of these habits brings you closer to more authentic, confident and enjoyable interactions.
So, start today. Start with one behavior. Start small, and before you know it, you’ll see big changes in your social interactions.