Socially Awkward

In films it’s sometimes funny to see a socially awkward person try and navigate through simple things we take for granted, but in real life it’s not so funny to people suffering from this fate. 

This condition keeps them in fear and leaves them feeling less than adequate. Being socially awkward must feel like being a fish out of water. 

Everyday on my walk, I see people who I would deem socially awkward, you know, those people who walk around looking at cell phones all day and don’t notice people in front of them? 

If I don’t step out of their way, they would run smack into me. They aren’t even aware that I exist or that ANYONE outside of their phone exists. 

Technology may have contributed further to social awkwardness. Do people “become” awkward or “are” they already awkward?

There seems to be a fear of social interaction because a fear of scrutiny. People are really afraid of being judged, embarrassed or humiliated by others so much that they would rather be by themselves. 

I don’t think they would rather spend time alone, but I don’t think they know a way out. There’s sheer panic if they have to interact with people in person. 

Perhaps at one time, social networking offered a solution for social maladroits, but now I think it’s made the condition worse. They get used to interacting online with strangers who don’t notice their awkwardness. 

The gist of it is that they are afraid that they won’t be loved for who they are. 

We all are a little awkward at times, it happens. We are thoroughly human, a myriad of thoughts, emotions, actions, and reactions. 

You can have 5,000 friends on Facebook, not in real life. How could you possibly get to know 5,000 friends in real life? That would be a nightmare. 

5,000 birthday parties, 5,000 weddings, 5,000 baby showers, 5,000 christenings, 5,000 graduations, multiplied by your 5,000 friends family and other friends, etc., you wouldn’t have time for yourself.

Whether you feel awkward or just selective in whom you keep company, you are meant to merge with others, not avoid contact. 

You are meant to engage in conversation, lock eyes, unlock fear, be loved, be yourself, interact, connect, share, make contact. 

You don’t have to feel like you are alone in the world. This world is made up of over 6 billion people, all you need is one to understand you, to love you, to know you, to love. 

What are you waiting for?