This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take right away. It also includes a list of suggested reading for those who are looking for even more information.
This article is from a Series
of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to
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TOP TIPS
Do
you ever feel a little bit awkward? If so, don't worry - you are far from
alone. Many people feel a bit socially awkward in certain situations. If you
feel awkward now and then, it might be as simple as not picking up on social
cues or misunderstanding body language. Whatever the reason, the following nine
tips can help you address that awkward feeling once and for all.
1. Get Out of Your Head
This
tip is easier said than done, but you need to get out of your head. If you are
constantly worried about being awkward, you likely will be. If you find your
mind is spiraling with worry and self-doubt, you will struggle in social
situations. Try to center yourself, and engage in social situations with an
open mind.
2. Learn More About Social
Norms
A lot
of awkwardness comes down to not knowing social norms. You might not have
learned these social cues growing up, so it doesn't hurt to brush up on them.
There is no shortage of information on the internet to help you learn more
about societal norms and how to react to them.
3. Keep Your Phone Handy
Your
phone can be your savior in awkward situations. For example, I hate elevator
small-talk, so I make sure I am immersed in my phone when someone gets on. You
don't want to be constantly on your phone in social situations, but feel free
to use it if it will defuse an awkward situation.
4. Don't Show Up Late
Showing
up on time or early to social engagements has two main benefits. First, it
gives you time to get used to your surroundings. More importantly, when you
show up late, all eyes will be on you, which will certainly exacerbate your
awkwardness.
5. Put Yourself Out There
If
you feel awkward in social situations, you aren't doing yourself any favors by
avoiding them. You need to embrace social engagements as often as you feel
comfortable doing so. The more you put yourself out there, the easier it will
be to fit in.
6. Invite a Close Friend Out
With You
Having
a close friend with you is a great way to battle your awkwardness. This is
especially true if you bring along one of your friends who is socially adept.
You can learn from them by mirroring their behavior. Also, it's nice to have
someone trusted you could turn to if things start getting a bit awkward.
7. Develop Your Confidence
This
is another tip that is a bit easier said than done. However, there are ways you
can build up your confidence, and you must do so. A lot of awkwardness is born
from a lack of confidence. If you are more confident, you will feel more
prepared and less awkward in social situations.
8. Ask More Questions
If
you are in a conversation that seems to be lagging a bit and bordering on
awkwardness, try to ask more questions. Focus on open-ended questions that keep
the other person talking. You'll quickly learn that you can easily avoid
awkwardness by giving certain people a chance to talk about themselves.
9. Worry Less About Others
A lot
of our awkwardness is born out of worry about what others will think of us. We
worry that they will think we are weird, stupid, or annoying if we say
something. The reality is, most people aren't that interested in others, to
begin with. Worrying about other people's opinions will do nothing but
contribute to your awkwardness.
ACTIONABLE STEPS
a) Think
of a couple of go-to stories. A great way to deal with awkwardness is to
prepare in advance. Having a couple of interesting stories in your back pocket
will help you feel better.
b) Do
you have an event or social gathering coming up? Think of a friend that you
could bring along to make things go a bit smoother.
c) Brush
up on social norms, cues, or body language. A quick Google search should bring
up thousands of free resources.
FURTHER
Affiliate links:
1. Awkward: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward
https://amzn.to/3OEJySL
2. Awkward Silences and How to Prevent Them
https://amzn.to/3mYi4f2
3. A Field Guide to Awkward Silences
https://amzn.to/39w5mkz
https://amzn.to/3QumvLP
5. AWKWARD: The Social Dos and Don'ts of Being a Young Adult
https://amzn.to/3b9kfcF
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