There is always that thing. You know what I’m talking about. You know exactly what I’m talking about. That one thing, be it a phrase, topic, or interaction. It just gets to you. It makes you feel uncomfortable.
So, because I think people are super cool and beautifully intricate, I did some extra observing these past few weeks. This is what I found:
1.) Most people are uncomfortable with self-reflection.
We are self-centered beings, but when someone responds to us in a way that encourages a look in the figurative mirror of life, we get uncomfortable. This is also in reference to looking in mirrors. Actual mirrors are very scary to a lot of people.
2.) The word “moist” makes 96% of the people I’ve ever met uncomfortable.
3.) Being insecure makes us uncomfortable.
Insecurity often manifests itself through defense mechanisms such as humor or sarcasm, or even negative responses such as anger and bullying. Instead of embracing our faults and insecurities through self-reflection and eventual improvement, we tend to get defensive and rather sassy with others who trigger us.
4.) Bad breath and khakis make most people uncomfortable.
Especially in combination.
5.) Others' opinions of us make us uncomfortable.
People often begin sentences with, “I’m the type of person who…” or, “That’s just the kind of person I am…” It’s a form of qualification. We tend to qualify and justify this image of ourselves that may or may not be accurate. In this way, we are attempting to affect other’s views of us. It gives us an illusion of control. Is this purely to add to the conversation, or are we just convincing ourselves of something that we are a bit insecure about?
6.) Obvious differences.
such as accents, ethnicity, sexual orientation (not necessarily obvious just to clarify), and disabilities cause a lot of initial discomfort between individuals.
7.) Breaking routine can be extremely uncomfortable.
Some people, maybe more than I would like to think, are not focused on self-improvement on a deep level. Life is busy, hectic, chaotic, and incredibly complex. Things like deep thinking, self-reflection, spiritual health, meditation, and maintaining open minds/hearts are not always on the top of our to-do lists. Those aspects of personal health and activity are often foreign and bring some discomfort.
8.) Dramatic visceral reactions.
that we don’t expect such as screaming, gasping, anger, or intense excitement, that we do not also feel, brings some discomfort.
9.) Communication differences are uncomfortable.
There are ALWAYS people on your side, and they aren’t always open with you about it vocally. Methods of communication vary. Body language, verbal communication, social/emotional cues, that "look" your mom gives you that makes you shudder...these are all ways of communication. Sometimes the strongest supporters have the quietest mouths. This does not make them any less of an influence. In fact, sometimes silence creates opportunity, an opportunity to shut up and listen.
10.) People make people uncomfortable.
In fact, pretty much anything makes someone out there in this big bad world uncomfortable. This is perfectly alright! It highlights the uniqueness of the human condition, as well as our similarities.
Personally, alligators, body odor, swimsuits, and poor communication skills bring me some discomfort. What makes you uncomfortable? Why?
