Things socially awkward people would relate to. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

12 Things The Socially Awkward Will Understand

If you're socially awkward, or think you might be, then check out these things you probably can relate to.

116
https://unsplash.com/photos/BL7RKm4unZw
Sorin Sirbu

I get it. I do. All of these things and more are personal weaknesses of mine because I'm just so awkward in these situations. You may find yourself nodding along to a handful of these and thinking, "Yeah. I do that too." If you relate to everything on this list then you're all socially awkward as me and there's nothing wrong with that... In my eyes.

1. Single person versus multi-stall bathrooms.

The dreaded public bathrooms! Ever find yourself standing patiently outside a public restroom door and wondering, "Is it a single or multi-stall bathroom?" Sometimes I reach for the handle then draw back and think deeply on whether I should knock or just go in.

Whatever the decision I make is, it's usually wrong. If I go to knock and someone opens the door to exit, the bathroom is usually a multi-stall bathroom and they look at me as if I'm insane. Then if I turn the handle on the door, I usually find that it's locked and when the person inside exits they look at me like I'm rude.

There's no winning in these situations and I'm left feeling awkward all the same.

2. To shake hands or not?

Unsplash

Whether it's an acquaintance or someone you're meeting for the first time, you overthink going in for that handshake. Are they going in with their left or right hand? Will they notice you going in for it?

The worst handshake I ever went for in my life was when I was selling a piece of furniture to someone online and they came to my house to pick it up. As they left, I was holding my dog in my arms because she's a tiny puppy. They went to pet her in my arms but I thought they were trying to shake my hand, so I met them halfway and intercepted her just before she pet my dog. She thought I was pushing her hand away from my puppy and awkwardness ensued.

3. Saying your goodbyes.

Goodbyes are a fickle thing and I can never get them correct. Sometimes I sound too enthusiastic and sometimes I sound disinterested. Have you ever said goodbye and then ended up walking in the same direction as that person anyways? Then it's like, do you say goodbye again or do you not even strike up conversation because you know it will just be awkward?

4. Introducing people.

Unsplash

I'm not good at introducing people, especially at large gatherings. Recently I brought my boyfriend to a work event and I didn't introduce him to a single person completely on accident. He ended up doing his own introducing and piecing together who my coworkers were.

Is introducing people hard for you too? Hopefully it's not just me.

5. Being introduced.

What are you supposed to say? Sometimes I find myself flustered when I'm the person being introduced because I don't know how to fill in the gaps that the person introducing forgot. Take my boyfriend for example, he at least remembers to introduce me to his friends and family members but forgets to mention that I'm in girlfriend. Do I say it so the other person isn't confused or do I assume they know?

Introductions are confusing.

6. Hanging out with people's pets.

Unsplash

From time to time, at parties or just when visiting my friends, I find myself spending more time with their pets than them. It's gotten to the point where I have more selfies with dogs than people. The worst part is when people catch you wandering off to find the dog or cat and make you stay for conversation. All I want to do is pet the fluffy dog!

7. Being the first one to do something.

So you're at an event and the buffet is out but no one is going for it... Do you go for a plate? Because I don't. Simply because I don't want to be the first person to do something. What if it's not time for it? Am I making myself stand out? If I go first and no one else follows, then what? Do I apologize?

8. Being the last person to do something.

Being the last person is nearly as bad as being the first. Because if you're last then people might be waiting for you to clean up, move on, or leave. Whatever the occasion, you don't want to be last. I'm too worried that people will be watching me closely until I complete the task and who wants that?

9. Making excuses to stay home (in bed). 

Unsplash

Sometimes I will get very intricate with my excuses and other times they'll just fly from my lips. My excuses have a large range and I rarely use the same excuse twice with the same person so that things don't seem repetitive. But then I begin overthinking things and wonder if they know it's just an excuse.

Who cares when you get to stay in bed with a good book or movie?

10. Wondering if people are comfortable.

My mind feels like it's running a race track when I have people over. Are they too hot? Too hot? Need water? Hungry? It's like I think they're pets or something! Whenever I have guests I'm pretty sure they're scared of my hyper-active mind and just want me to sit down. But I can't, it's just how my mind is.

11. Planning too much.

Stacking plans on top of one another can get a bit hairy. This is where excuses come into play. If I've made too many plans then sometimes it turns out that none of them happen. I'll become too stressed and make up one giant excuse to cover all of my bases. Because why stress at all?

12. Over-explaining yourself.

Unsplash

This one is great. I over-explain constantly! And sometimes it's not like I mean to, it just happens. Like excessive rambling with a purpose at the very end. Somehow I'm trying to get someone to see from Point A to Point B and on the way I fill in a bunch of made up letters of the alphabet that don't belong.

The end result is... You guessed it- Awkward.

If you felt like you related to some or even all of them, then you're likely socially awkward. It's nothing to be ashamed about! Many great minds lacked social skills and made up for it in other areas. Just get in some social interactions and you'll be fine... I think.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student

Turns out that Thanksgiving is a lot more complicated when you're in college.

89
10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student
Wikimedia Commons

It's that time of year again- Thanksgiving Break is finally approaching. For college students everywhere, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and not really worry about homework (well, depending on what major you're in). However, going home for Thanksgiving is actually a lot more complicated and stressful than it looks. From traveling, to Thanksgiving in general, the stages of going home can drive students crazy.

Keep Reading...Show less
silhouette of person's hands forming heart
Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash

Your relationship doesn´t have to be full of exchanges of lavish gifts. You do not have to go on elaborate dates and try crazy things. While those are great for a relationship, there are much simpler ways to ensure a happy and stable union.

Keep Reading...Show less
Friends dinner
Thought Catalog

As we have now passed the halfway point of the semester, work still seems to be piling up and we all seem to feel a little extra drained. Sometimes it seems like college does not take a rest and you are constantly going, going, going. Being productive and working hard is important, but there is nothing wrong with looking forward to the wonderful holiday season. Luckily, Thanksgiving break is just around the corner! With this wonderful holiday coming up, it is definitely time to start being thankful for all you have in life, take in the beauty of Fall around you, and start getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Wonderful Things About The Holidays

Some of the best things about the upcoming holiday season.

1813
christmas decoration

As the holidays approach, there are many wonderful things that start to appear. From weather to food and even to the decorations, there are so many wonderful things about the holidays.

1. Cold Weather

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

14 Thoughts Every College Student Has During Winter Break

The most common: "Is it time to go back to school yet?"

4017
nothing on to-do list

Winter break is a cherished time for many after enduring a grueling fall semester. It’s a time of relaxation and time spent with loved ones over the holidays. However, once the new year rolls around, we’re all ready to go back to school. Here are thoughts every college student has during winter break.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments