I am the king of awkward. I always find myself in situations that put me in those sticky situations that are just uncomfortable. For example: that time I farted in that crowded elevator, or the time I threw up on a plane and made some other people chuck up their breakfast too, or when I accidentally touched that old lady’s butt when reaching for the door, or the countless parties where I didn't know anyone. All of these events should have killed me with embarrassment or at the very least scarred me socially to the point of no return but… I am a functioning awkward and I have come to terms with it. I write this in the hope that you will find the same peace.

It all started when I was young. I saw things in a different way, and played unlike the kids in my class. I loved creating funny skits with my toys and the things I thought were funny didn’t seem to resonate with anyone else. Fast-forward to teenage me and not much has changed. I still tell jokes that no one will get, and I continue to see the world in a different way. The more time you spend getting out of your comfort zone the more opportunity there is for those uncomfortable encounters. I have tried to fit in in the Paris metro and run straight into a vending machine, I have tried to talk to children on the bus and gotten the giggles and no response, and I have had to explain to the officer who pulled me over on the way to court that I was speeding because I had to get to a court hearing about another speeding ticket. Misfortune and clumsiness are an awkward person’s bread and butter. I could make a never-ending list of occasions just like those and each of them is funny to tell at parties now but at the time made me want to hide under a rock. But after awhile you come to realize that is just your life and once you accept that it makes those happenings less stress and more fun. I used to be so timid for fear of making a fool out of myself, but once you stop caring about what other people think of you, you gain a strong sense of self confidence.

Now that I've embraced the 'awk', the world has so much to offer. I can start conversations with strangers about our shared goofs and I can get up and do whatever crosses my mind and just do it. Talent shows, rap battles, stand up, dance off, you name it and I'm game. Being awkward forces you to you to put yourself out there and go with it. You learn to laugh at yourself even when all that are sounding are crickets. I have learned to love life and myself. I have a great group of equally awkward friends and that’s just how I like it. Let your 'awk' flag fly!