Awkward people aren't uncommon—there's usually at least one in every circle. Being awkward isn't necessarily a bad thing — it's just something you have to embrace and learn to cope with. There are definitely many struggles involved for this type of person that they must deal with on a daily basis. Here are just a few signs that you might be a fellow awkward individual.
1. When someone says "thank you," you also respond with "thank you."
To be honest, this isn't the only scenario where you generate an inappropriate response.
2. Comforting people is not your thing, like at all.
An awkward side hug and an "I'm sorry" followed by an awkward silence is probably the best they are going to get.
3. You automatically stiffen when someone enters your personal space.
God forbid said person entering your personal space hugs you.
4. Socializing at social gatherings is a struggle.
In fact, sometimes you'll opt to stay at home so you don't have to endure the awkwardness. Or you'll go in an attempt to break away from your awkwardness and end up keeping to yourself or making a fool of yourself. Or you'll at least spend the entire time worrying that you've either already made a fool of yourself or that you're going to.
5. Having your picture made is an absolute nightmare.
It doesn't seem to matter whether it's an individual portrait or a group photo, the whole experience is painful. You never know how to pose, and your awkwardness is often apparent in the final product.
6. You go back and analyze all past scenarios
7. You also try to plan out and rehearse for all future scenarios.
This is an attempt to avoid making an idiot out of yourself due to your awkwardness.
8. Of course, these scenarios don't pan out quite like you rehearsed.
Therefore, you end up saying something that doesn't really make sense (see #1).
9. When you're forced into public speaking of any sort, you never know what to do with your hands.
Do you use hand gestures? Do you shove your hands in your pockets? Do you put them behind your back to keep them out of the way? Who knows. Definitely not an awkward person...
10. Greeting someone is sometimes stressful.
What is an appropriate greeting? Then you worry if you should even greet this person. Maybe they just want to be left alone. Or maybe they are just waiting for you to say something first.
11. Meeting someone new is equally or more stressful.
Of course, you want to make a good first impression. You try your best to act normal, but your awkwardness shines through. Hopefully they won't notice. Or maybe they do, but hopefully they won't care.
If more than half of these apply to you, then there's a pretty good chance you're an awkward person. There's nothing wrong with that. Maybe it just makes you quirky. Furthermore, it's part of what makes you, well, you. People are either going to embrace that part of you or make fun of you for it, but what really matters is whether or not you embrace it. So, choose to love that part of yourself. Don't change. Be your awkward self and carry on!
