Why are socially awkward people

While social awkwardness may describe an alternative way of living in the world, social anxiety is a defined medical condition that can cause severe social impairment. According to the Social Anxiety Institute, social anxiety disorder SAD describes an intense, recurrent state of emotional stress in social situations. Individuals with SAD may fear:. When placed in these situations, those who suffer from SAD may experience physiological symptoms, such as a racing heart, excessive sweating, trembling, difficulty swallowing, or other reactions.

While individuals who are socially awkward may or may not address their awkwardness, those with SAD suffer from a disorder that often requires treatment. Social awkwardness may also be confused with the personality trait of introversion. While extroverts look to the outer world, introverts orient themselves inward.

They prefer to know a few people well instead of a wide range of individuals, and they are generally comfortable being alone. Ellen Hendriksen, of Quiet Revolution, says that introversion, like social awkwardness, is a personality trait rather than a disorder. Rather, they simply prefer their own company to that of others. Autism is another condition commonly confused with social awkwardness, though it is true the two conditions share similarities.

Like those who are socially awkward, those with autism have difficulty understanding social norms, may fail to navigate social situations effectively, and may display remarkably intense focus on certain subjects. However, autism is also a broad disorder that manifests itself through a spectrum of symptoms. In fact, some of the world's top athletes, including LeBron James, are known to give themselves positive pump ups. Call in a friend-favour and ask a mate to go with you the next time you think you might feel socially awkward.

Genuine compliments make people feel good and are a great icebreaker. Crossed arms and a scowl will send people the opposite way. Having open, relaxed body language makes everyone feel more comfortable.

When it comes to overcoming your social awkwardness, practice makes perfect. If you want to flex your banter muscles a little before your next hang out, why not try logging on to a forum or chatting online while gaming?

But you learn from these missteps and discover that they often take on a humorous flavor as they age. You also learn that being a little different is not a liability. Embracing your unique perspective and exuberance for uncommon things is the key to realizing your unique potential.

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This can be tough to face. Social situations may not be your area of strength, but there are things you can do to minimize your stress around these scenarios more on this later.

But a small study suggests these very feelings can help by acting as a warning system of sorts. As a result, you might experience physical symptoms of anxiety , panic , or fear, including:. They may be less likely to notice social cues or pick up on emotions but feel more driven toward systematic or scientific approaches. This unique perspective may stem from differences in the brain — differences that sometimes relate to high intelligence and achievement, according to Tashiro.

Social awkwardness can have its benefits, but you might notice some drawbacks, too. Or maybe you sometimes do or say things that create awkwardness at home, school, or work. These tips can help you better navigate social situations and deal with the repercussions that come from inevitable slip-ups. Spending a little time learning more about social awkwardness might help you feel more accepting of this part of yourself.

Not sure where to start? Try visiting your library or bookstore. Social awkwardness happens, probably more than you realize. Say you drop all the groceries you were carrying in the middle of the supermarket. A jar of pasta sauce breaks, eggs smash, and cherry tomatoes roll out their carton and across the aisle. Every fiber of your being is internally screaming and telling you to abandon your groceries and run out the door.