How to Embrace Being Socially Awkward

Being awkward is something that comes very naturally to me. Despite what many people think of me now, I am absolutely internally awkward to the core. Social norms are not my strength, and I’ve learned how to embrace being socially awkward because it wasn’t worth feeling like I was always the problem anymore. Growing up in the household I did was rather painful because my different tendencies were not welcome or accepted, and I always felt like I didn’t know what to do to act “right.”

Now that I am an adult and I get to parent myself however the hell I want, I celebrate my awkwardness and invite anyone who doesn’t to leave. The good news for all of us slightly divergent people is that you can be confident and awkward at the same time, and I’m living proof of that. If this resonates with you, read on. I’ve got lots to say.

I Love Silly Selfies

Like I said, my quirkiness was not something I thought was positive in life until my adulthood. I felt uncomfortable and odd much of my life. Why did I think and act like this? What on earth happened to my brain along the way? I’m here to tell you that I have now defined social awkwardness how I want to define it. It’s a positive thing to me. My obsessiveness over certain things that interest me has benefitted me greatly. The persistence that I have is unparalleled. Nothing can get in my way when I want to do or accomplish or learn something.

While, to some, that might be a negative, it’s how I have redefined who I am and how to embrace being socially awkward. I’m actually really proud of myself for sticking to who I am and not trying to change myself for anyone, despite others in my life who have tried. You’ve failed, you boring, normal yawn of a human. Let me be weird and happy.

Cheers with an Awkward Smile and Giant Rose on My Drink

While I still struggle internally on any given day, I have really learned how to embrace being socially awkward overall. It’s part of my eccentric character, and it very much appeals to certain others. Thinking I’m “too much” is no longer a threat to me or something that bothers me when I hear described about me. My response: go find less. The stuff that I dive deep into makes me insanely interesting in some social situations, even if the situation is short-lived. And I will say that my preference is to get in and out quickly of most social situations, so it works out.

Dropping some really interesting and/or awkward facts on people in passing intrigues them, and I think that’s quite fun. I’ve always had a propensity for this. Kind of a game for me. It’s who I am and I own it wholeheartedly.

In a Cemetery in Paris Doing a Headstand, Because...Different

Because I’ve not only learned how to embrace being socially awkward, I realize it’s one of my superpowers. I’m extremely observant and can identify a person’s entire personality within one meeting of them. When friends of mine introduce me to someone and I break down the person’s whole being afterwards, it both fascinates and weirds them out. I’m analytical to a serious degree (not a fault because it’s not a fault), and I enjoy being able to understand a situation much quicker than most people can. It helps me get out of things that would potentially waste my time and give me grief.

Whatever the area of my interest, I go miles deep and figure out the best way to learn and implement the best ways and practices. I also empathize with other awkward people deeply, and I see no issue with stereotypical taboo behaviors (like the classic Irish goodbye, or hello for that matter). Abruptly telling people truths is super uncomfortable for the recipient, yet I do it anyway. I’m just awkward like that. Sorry not sorry.

Laugh at Yourself!

Getting it out of the way that I’m awkward helps a lot, and some people nervous laugh about it and some people full on embrace it. I have no qualms about letting people know exactly what they are getting into when they meet me. No wonder my dating life is so weird. Anecdotally, my brief experience with dating apps was super uncomfortable. I couldn’t figure out how not to be extremely direct and cut to the chase in a genuine way.

That is not how these games are played, hence me removing said apps from my life. I’m much more palatable and likable in person and can win you over with my wit and awkward charm. Truly knowing how to embrace being socially awkward makes me slightly less socially awkward, and it gives us something to laugh about. I’m totally willing to be the subject of my own jokes.

They Love Me for Who I Am!

Finding the right people helped me greatly with how to embrace being socially awkward. I started to really curate my client list in my company and subsequently my guest lists at get-togethers I have at my house. The best part is that all my fellow awkward humans comment to me about how great they would feel at my parties because everyone is 10/10 awesome. You know why? We are all in the same damn boat: divergent and awkward and embracing ourselves amongst one another.

You will rarely find me going to other people’s gatherings because I know their guest list isn’t nearly as curated and vetted. What I know from these experiences is how miserable I am in situations where I am set up to fail: loud music, obnoxious humans who have no awareness, or otherwise boring events. My particularity with other people has paid off for myself and for other people who spend time with me. You’re welcome.

Life is Always a Challenge

While I have wholly learned how to embrace being socially awkward, I also have challenged myself over the years to be a chameleon in social situations. Most people would never know I am dying inside, twisting and turning and wondering when the hell I can get out of there. I’ve learned how to make talk, not so much small talk, but I can talk. My face doesn’t hide my feelings, so that I’m still working on, but people who are less socially awkward are so clueless that they don’t pay me any mind.

They’re just so happy to be talking at me while I’m staring at their every facial characteristic, all the while breaking down their entire lives starting at childhood. It’s a little creepy, I get it. But this is how I was made and I’m not changing for anyone. It gives me loads to think about, assess, and discuss with my other socially awkward friends. My gift is letting you talk and get things off your chest. So again, you’re welcome.

Let's Get Weird

This is a lot to take in for people who lack awkwardness. I know this because I’ve heard how uncomfortable I can make people. Unfortunately, I don’t care that much. I am who I am, and I am greatly entertaining to myself and to a select few others who enjoy my strange demeanor. Being able to and learning how to embrace being socially awkward is absolutely something that I never want to not know.

Look at that sentence alone. All the double negatives are so damn awkward. It’s just my playful, fun, entertaining self, love it or don’t love it. Either way, I’m proud of being slightly or extremely awkward, and if you are in my camp, welcome. I love you for it and can’t wait to have some really good awkward moments with you that turn into lifelong friendships.

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