If there’s one thing that unites the nation, it’s suffering acute embarrassment in uncomfortable social situations.
And if you blush at the mere thought of accidentally waving at a stranger or getting toilet paper stuck on your shoe, it turns out you’re not alone.
Social behaviour expert Emma Kenny shares her top tips to navigate awkward moments, as new research reveals the average person feels uncomfortable at least twice a day.
In fact, the survey by TePe UK reveals that the average UK adult feels awkward at least twice a day – that’s over 700 times per year!
Among the situations when people are most likely to be caught cringing include eating in public, shopping alone, while at the gym, or on a date.
More than a third of those surveyed confessed to being embarrassed by tripping over a kerb, pulling on a door that says ‘push’ (or vice versa), or realizing they had food trapped in their teeth hours after eating.
To help navigate the nation’s most awkward social situations, TePe partnered with psychologist and social behaviour expert Emma Kenny. Here are her top tips:
Be Direct
Psychologically, people wish to avoid awkward situations as they can feel uncomfortable and challenging to confront.
Even if informing someone that they have food stuck in their teeth may initially cause short-term discomfort for both parties, it benefits the person in the long term.
It’s best to face the situation head-on; simply tell them directly and point to the location of the offending debris. If you don’t appear awkward, they won’t feel awkward either.
Be Honest
If you care about someone, you have their best interests at heart. Bad breath causes problems at work and in relationships, but if they don’t realise it, they can’t change it.
Suggest you are worried because their breath seems to smell recently and advise them to check with their dentist. This way, they feel it’s a recent issue and that you are genuinely concerned for their health.
Adopt Healthy Habits
Good dental hygiene shouldn’t be something to be ashamed of. After eating, use a toothpick, such as the TePe EasyPick™, to clean between your teeth and avoid any awkward ‘teeth taboo’ moments. Offer one to friends and colleagues too!
By normalising this behaviour, you form a healthy habit, ensuring everyone feels more comfortable.
Empathise
If you need to tell someone they have toilet paper on their shoe or spinach in their teeth, a clever tactic is to empathise with their situation by relating to a time when it happened to you.
Practice Makes Perfect
Awkwardness often stems from a lack of confidence. The best way to improve is to rehearse certain scenarios.
Practice striking up conversations with strangers or making new friends. If you’re still feeling awkward, don’t underestimate the power of “fake it till you make it.”
Be Kind
It can be hard to tell someone they’re getting something wrong, like calling a colleague by the wrong name or walking around with their jumper inside out. Ask yourself how you’d feel if no one told you.
If you adopt the mindset to treat others how you’d wish to be treated, chances are you’ll always act in the kindest way possible.
Laugh at Yourself
There is nothing more disarming than someone who can poke fun at themselves. If you trip or find yourself trailing toilet paper, make a joke about it. This instantly diffuses tension and puts everyone at ease.
Time Heals
No matter what awkward moments you endure remember they’re fleeting. By recognizing these moments are just temporary bumps in the road, you can minimise their impact and reduce any associated anxiety.
Make a Polite Exit
Not every conversation goes as planned. If you’re at an event and the conversation gets awkward, instead of enduring it, excuse yourself politely.
Suggest you need the loo or have an important call to make. Remember, this is your life—don’t waste time in avoidable situations!
Remember, That’s Life!
Whether you fall up the stairs in front of your new boss, drive up a one-way street with colleagues, or find yourself on a first date with a price tag still on your shirt, yes, it may be awkward, but it’s also entirely human. Instead of seeing it as a “you thing,” remember it’s an “everyone thing,” and you’ll instantly feel better!