There are some of us who feel incredibly awkward in most social situations. We walk into a conversation thinking, “Oh no, what am I going to say?” We leave a conversation thinking, “Oh no, why did I say that?” It’s a never ending flow of awkward.

The internet has been a lifesaver for us, y’all. We can be witty and outgoing without ever making eye contact with anyone or worrying that there is food stuck in our teeth. We can interact with others without worrying that we are wearing the wrong thing and no one ever has to know that we failed miserably at trying to recreate the smoky eye.

There are situations, however, when we socially awkwards must venture out into the world and walk among other folks. Sometimes, it is not so bad. I can do my grocery shopping without too much anxiety. I can take my kids to the library without too much embarrassment. There are certain scenarios, however, that make me want to get into the fetal position and cry for my mama. {Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration.} I am going to share with you some real life situations that socially awkward people dread.

• When the Zumba instructor says, “Now, freestyle.”
• Being the first one to any social gathering.
• Popcorn prayer scenarios when you’re the only one who has not yet “popped.”
• Group play dates.
• Little kid birthday parties where the kids are all friends and the adults are all strangers.
• Running into someone at the store and not remembering his/her name.
• Bible Study / Party “ice breakers” {Think: If you were a flower, which one would you be and why.}
• Having any sort of worker inside your home. {Cable guy, plumber, etc.}

Please do not tell me that I am the only one that struggles with these things. Surely, some other woman also dreads…

• Trying to use a public restroom when there are people waiting in line.
• Saying something that was funny in your head but not so much when you actually said it.
• Any situation where you are supposed to “find a partner.” {Hello, 8th grade science all over again.}
• When the pastor says, “Turn around and greet your neighbor.”
• When someone is approaching and you are trying to figure out if they are a hand shaker or a hugger.
• Introducing yourself to someone and having them tell you that you have met several times. {It’s nothing personal, y’all. I barely remember my own kids’ names.}

So, there you go. The next time you are out somewhere and someone is acting uncomfortable, weird or, dare I say, awkward, it is not you. It’s the situation.

Happy Tuesday, my friends.