I always joke to others about how awkward I tend to be. People usually respond by telling me I'm not even awkward, but that's because I'm an expert at hiding it at this point. I hold all my awkwardness inside most of the time, masking it with fake confidence and really corny jokes. But sometimes I get in a situation- and everyday task that a normal person would do without even thinking about it- and the awkward rears it's ugly head. Here are a few times when I just can't hide how socially inept I am.

1. Making a phone call

I absolutely hate talking to people on the phone. I can't tell you how many times I've stared at my ringing phone as I get a call from a sister or friend, frozen in fear as I wait for them to finally hang up. When I am actually required to make a phone call, I usually stress about it for a few days before actually picking up the phone. I have to mentally prepare myself to make a simple (usually less than 10 minute) phone call.

2. Asking for help while shopping

My mom is the queen of asking store employees for help the minute she can't find what she needs. I on the other hand walk aimlessly around the store about a billion times, avoiding the eyes of employees while pretending I know exactly what I'm looking for. This looks just as weird as you imagine, but I would rather be weird than have to talk to another human.

3. Flirting

I know everyone feels awkward when they flirt, but I don't think everyone is able to turn a guy off with one sentence the way I can. I once told a guy that he reminded me of my brother. I did not end up dating said guy.

4. Ordering food

I get really stressed out ordering food. My heart races and my blood rushes and everything. It's especially bad at sit down restaurants. First I get anxiety over all of the different options, and then I get anxiety over having to communicate my choice to an other human.

5. Getting groceries

I always think everyone at the grocery store is watching me and judging the way I pick up groceries. This results in me making awkward eye contact, bumping into people with me cart and/or body, and causing general chaos all around me.

6. Turning in a test

I hate to be the first person to turn in a test at the end of class. There's just so much uncertainty. Where do I put my test? Is my professor going to laugh at all of my wrong answers? Do I leave? What if I make too much noise? So instead I sit awkwardly in my seat tracing over all of my words until at least two other people hand in their tests.

7. Answering a question

Whenever a professor or our chapter president asks the whole group a question, I tend to just stare at my desk, even if I know the answer. No eye contact. Just romantic and intense eye contact with my desk.

8. Walking to class

Just like with the grocery shopping, I always feel like people are waiting for me to make a wrong move when I'm walking on campus. This usually causes me to smile at people and then quickly stare at the ground before they even have a chance to react. If I'm not causing chaos, I sure am making people uncomfortable.

9. Sitting in a large group

We have a little area in our student center where a lot of our Greek student congregate. I often go up there to hang out with my sisters and fraternity friends, and it's usually a fun time. But if the group gets to large and I don't have someone to cling onto, things get weird for everyone. I start staring at people and laughing at inappropriate times and it's just a hot mess.

10. Just being a general human being

Being socially awkward means every possible interaction with a human being could lead to a disaster. But it could also lead to a really funny story to tell your friends later. All depends on perspective.

So sometimes it's no fun being the awkward kid, but just remember: you are only as awkward as you think you are, and everyone else probably doesn't even notice. So just be yourself and try not to knock over anything at the grocery store.