There are 14,000 students at this university, but for some reason, you always seem to run into the exact person you do NOT want to see.
We've all been there and have struggled through these painfully awkward moments. Do yourself a favor and educate yourself to be prepared for that next uncomfortable encounter.
Coming towards the end of the year, many of us have accumulated a repertoire of faces we would probably rather not run into on a day-to-day basis, or like, ever. Don’t worry -- I’m not going to pull a Taylor Swift and name drop these heartbreakers (well, mostly heartbroken) guys on you.
For whatever reasons you have for not wanting to see this particular creature, we’ve all been there. Here are some ways to avoid the awkward encounters, or how to power through them, if luck is not on your side for the day.
The first option is to avoid. My personal favorite is the duck and cover. The timing of the duck and cover along with a smooth transition and verbal reaction is essential for success. One cannot simply hit the deck on the crowded sidewalk and expect the enemy not to notice them -- not subtle.
An example of a (hypothetical) situation is seeing someone in the quad outside the library, doing a quick pivot turn while shouting to your “friend” who isn’t there, “Oh wait, I forgot something!” and going back inside. So smooth.
If you usually run into them on the walk to class, you might want to consider changing your route. A short five-minute detour down that sketchy alley will be beneficial and highly effective. Straight up avoiding a place you might find this person is also a good general move.
For example ladies -- if a boy is in a fraternity and you go to that fraternity, you will see him without a doubt. But if they are in your class, or even worse, in your dorm, then well… may the odds be ever in your favor.
If you spot the person you dread in the distance and there is no way to avoid them anymore, don’t worry. You’re not totally screwed yet. The classic go-to would be to text or look at your phone. People think this is immature, and maybe it is, but it's also highly successful.
Obviously you have to conveniently Instagram that picture within the exact 100-foot radius of this person. Pretending to text furiously while smiling and giggling at your lack of real text messages you are [not] receiving will make the person think you are ~*sew popular*~.
Another way to make you look popular is by actively engaging in a conversation around you, laughing and smiling and having a grand old time with perhaps a total stranger -- but Mr./Ms. Awkward doesn’t need to know this isn’t your best friend or significant other.
If you would prefer, you can always save the energy and straight up ignore them. You can pretend you don’t see them and simply stare straight ahead as you walk by. There will be a solid 30 seconds of painful awkwardness filled with rapid heartbeats, excessive sweating, etc. but it will pass.
Also, grounds is so beautiful you might as well look around at the scenery to avoid that painful eye contact. This can also be used as a valid excuse in case you get called out on the ignoring act later. Deny until you die, friends.
Feeling confident enough for some social interaction? Kudos, we respect that. I guess what mature people would do is smile, wave, and maybe throw in a “Hey, how are you?” but that’s no fun…
Test these out, see which ones work best for you, and master them -- you never know when they will come in handy.
