There are many causes for being socially awkward, it could be that you’re an: introvert, a late bloomer, or perhaps you suffer from a mental health condition such as social anxiety. Being socially awkward manifests in many ways even at times when you are around people you have known for a long time, making being socially awkward a complex condition in its own right. It is possible to manage and slowly change social reactions, as depending on its form it’s usually a behavioral habit that stems from self-belief, self-esteem issues, and traumas. Knowing the root cause and being aware is a great starting point for combating being socially awkward.
Socially awkwardness appears as not finding it easy to speak and relate with others. You may come across as nervous, shaken, scared, unreliable, and even aloof or dissociative, these traits make living socially reclusive no easy feat! In a world filled with ‘normal people’ who can easily mask their feelings and thoughts, seemingly appearing to be confident and unshaken at all times. For people with social anxiety, trying to match what society deems as confidence can definitely worsen their symptoms.
The symptoms are non-exhaustive as social behavior is complex, though it’s also best to understand that not all socially awkward behavior is seen as strange, in some cases it is looked fondly upon in social circles that require and embrace its traits. Community spaces such as creative spaces and careers tend to look for socially awkward traits in people as creatives tend to be expressive and accepting of others, these qualities present as the term ‘quirky’ a quality that enriches the creative culture and is found in both creatives and individuals who have socially awkward behavior. However, it’s best understood that being socially awkward does not stop once you have found a community that accepts your traits, looking within and coping with your personality is where the true healing starts.
If you suffer from being socially awkward and would like to manage or find happiness in being yourself here are ‘10 tips on how to combat being socially awkward’ positively:
1. Accept yourself: Recognise that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and it’s okay to have some social awkwardness. Accept yourself for who you are, and focus on your positive qualities.
2. Practice self-awareness: Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and body language in social situations. This self-awareness can help you identify any patterns or triggers that contribute to your social awkwardness.
3. Set realistic expectations: Understand that not every interaction will be perfect, and that’s okay. Avoid putting too much pressure on yourself to be flawless in social situations. Instead, focus on making genuine connections and enjoying the experience.
4. Learn social cues: Study and practice observing social cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Understanding these nonverbal signals can help you gauge others’ reactions and adjust your own behavior accordingly.
5. Start small: Begin by practicing social skills in low-stakes situations. Engage in small talk with cashiers, ask a colleague about their weekend, or join a club or group activity that aligns with your interests. Gradually increase the complexity of social interactions as you gain confidence.
6. Listen actively: When engaging in conversations, listen attentively to others and show genuine interest in what they have to say. Avoid overthinking or focusing too much on yourself. Asking open-ended questions and actively listening can help you maintain engaging conversations.
7. Practice empathy: Try to understand and empathize with others’ perspectives. Showing empathy can foster connections and make social interactions more meaningful. Put yourself in others’ shoes and be kind and compassionate.
8. Develop social skills: Take time to improve your social skills through reading books, watching videos, or even taking a course on communication or social dynamics. Practice different social scenarios and work on specific skills, such as maintaining eye contact, active listening, or initiating conversations.
9. Build confidence: Engage in activities that boost your confidence and self-esteem. Exercise regularly, pursue hobbies you enjoy, and set achievable goals. The more confident you feel in general, the easier it will be to navigate social situations.
10. Seek support: If social anxiety or awkwardness significantly affects your daily life, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance, techniques, and support tailored to your specific needs.
Remember, overcoming social awkwardness takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. With persistence and effort, you can improve your social skills and feel more comfortable in social settings
0 Comments