Awkward moments are a part of everyday life. They're uncomfortable, annoying to deal with, and make you feel stupid at times. They're also something we better get used to because there's no getting around them. They sneak up on the best of us so we might as well embrace it. Here are 15 common awkward moments that I experience regularly:

1. Being in an elevator with someone you don't know

If you ever want to slow down time, just get in an elevator with one other person you don't know and your phone out of reach.

2. Seeing someone you know but don't feel like talking to

Literally happens to me more times than I can count. I avoid people like it's my job. Because if I know you but don't know you that well, it's easier to save us both the discomfort and go a different way.

3. Having a two-second conversation with someone as you pass them

"Hey!" "Hey! How are you?" "I'm good what about you?" "Good-" and they're already behind you. It just makes me feel such a lack of relational depth.

4. Seeing an ex-significant other

It's okay when you're friends with the person, but if you aren't necessarily friends but aren't necessarily hating the person, you don't know what to say. And no matter what you choose to do, whether it be ignore, say hi or talk to them for a minute, it's always the most awkward thing in the world.

5. When you mutually follow someone on social media that you never actually talk to in real life

I follow a couple people from my school who follow me back that I'm pretty sure I've said MAYBE two words to and then followed them because, I don't know. I should probably only follow people if I am capable of saying "hi" to them or else it's just too painfully uncomfortable.

6. Wanting to say "hi" to someone but not knowing if they remember who you are

Oh, there's Emily from one of my classes. But does she recognize me? Eh, I'll just avoid her.

7. Cutting the conversation short because you're in a rush and feeling rude

*Talks for 2 minutes* *Runs out of things to say and also wants to move on with life* "Well, I gotta go (insert excuse--take nap, go for a run, feed the pigs) so I'll see you later!" Even if you are actually going to do what you said you're gonna do, there's a part of you that cut out early because you felt awko taco with a side of guaco.

8. Not knowing whether to hug someone you haven't seen in awhile

Rawr. The STRESS.

9. Making eye contact with someone you kind of know from far away, then both of you pretending you didn't see

I can't even count the amount of times I see someone I sort of know but don't usually talk to from far away, I look away to see if they'll acknowledge me, and they walk by without saying anything when I know they saw me. I know, I know, I'm a hypocrite because I technically ignored them too. But that doesn't mean it's any less awkward.

10. Feeling obligated to say "hi" to someone you don't like

This also applies to when you feel obligated to say "hi" to someone you know doesn't like YOU. Feels really shitty when you say a friendly "Hey!" and the other person gives you either The Look of Disgust or The Look of Fake Friendliness and goes, "Hey..."

11. Passing someone you don't know and being unsure of where to look

If you look directly at the person they'll either think you know them or that you're creepy, but if you look away you feel obvious and stupid. My go-to is to either pretend something really interesting is happening up ahead of me or squint at the sun as though the sun is blocking all my vision.

12. Waving at someone and they don't see you

There's no way to not feel stupid after this happens. Even though you literally did nothing wrong.

13. Waving back at someone who wasn't waving at you

Hm, why is that person I don't know waving at me and smiling? Oh well, that's sweet of them, hi random person! .....Oh. Oh my.

14. Running out of things to say and looking around the room for conversation inspiration

15. Seeing just about anyone from middle or high school

Other than friends, of course. This one mainly applies to college and older, but the struggle is real. I know they remember me, they know I remember them, but you don't have anything to say to each other.