We all have to deal with embarrassing situations from time to time. Whether it’s an awkward social encounter, a silly mistake, or not knowing how to complete a certain task, such experiences are an inevitable part of life. What is within our control, however, is how we respond to them. It’s important not to let fear of embarrassment run our lives, because it can make us reluctant to try new activities, talk to people, or—in more serious cases—get the help we need.
With that in mind, here are some top tips for overcoming embarrassment and enjoying your life!
Shift your perspective
Embarrassing circumstances always feel worse from the inside, so try viewing them from an outsider’s point of view. What seems like the end of the world to you will likely be immediately forgotten by everyone else, or seen as a situation that’s entirely trivial. For example, you might feel embarrassed about searching for tadalafil UK and then ordering the product, but for the pharmacist it’s an entirely normal part of their day. They won’t judge you, or even think twice about the situation. People tend to overestimate how much attention others pay to them, and in reality most people are more concerned about themselves and their own lives than thinking about yours!
Get out of your comfort zone
One way to cope with a fear of embarrassment is to tackle it head on. You can become accustomed to feelings of nervousness and discomfort by getting out of your comfort zone every now and again: the more you do so, the less scary it will feel. You don’t have to do anything that genuinely terrifies you, but taking small steps that get you out of your routine and build new skills can be hugely helpful. Then, the next time you’re facing a potentially embarrassing situation, you will be better equipped to handle it.
Find humor in the situation
One of the most effective ways to diffuse embarrassment is humor. If you can find a funny side to the situation, this can both get rid of tension in the moment and help you to cope with it afterwards. Of course, this isn’t always easy, but it is powerful. Sometimes talking about your problem with a good friend can be the best way to see the humor in an embarrassing situation that’s already happened, so give that a try too. You never know, it might become a funny story you can tell at parties!
Be kind to yourself
At the end of the day, we all mess up. We all embarrass ourselves. We all have to deal with difficult situations. You’re almost certainly compassionate about it when it happens to a friend, so be kind to yourself when it happens to you. Talk to yourself as though you were talking to someone you love. This can help to reframe the situation in your mind, reduce critical thoughts, and prevent spirals of negativity. Remember, no single event defines you or your worth. Forgive yourself for the mistakes you make, practice some self-care, and remind yourself of all the positives in life. You’ll soon forget about whatever it was that was causing you those feelings of embarrassment!
