Dear CHS,

We’ve all been there. 

Eyes wide, frozen, sweat beading down your forehead: you got utterly embarrassed. 

Embarrassment has many synonyms – shame, self-consciousness or awkwardness. All in all, a typically negative connotation. 

It is a fact you’ve messed up sometime in your life. Many times, actually. Maybe once a week, once a day? 

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I know you’ve messed up because it’s happened to me. 

I have a tendency to say whatever first comes to my mind out loud. It’s a part of who I am. The trait is funny and witty, but has gotten me into some sticky situations. Sometimes class stops after hearing what I said as everyone absorbs the comment.

My friends have told me they have often experienced second hand embarrassment whenever I say or do something of that nature, but I’ve gained the ability to easily get over anything.

It is not like I don’t get embarrassed. Some of those times when I find myself in the moment, I feel like I have to cover my face in my hands and internally scream. Thank you, loud mouth.

Encountering awkward experiences is inevitable and needs to be addressed every time. It doesn’t matter if you’re quiet and try to not be the center of attention: embarrassment targets everyone, no matter how often. It doesn’t get easier, but you can find ways to expertly navigate the situation that you find yourself in.

First off, you need to stop taking yourself too seriously. What you did is not as important as you perceive it as. The world doesn’t really care if your pants ripped or you laughed too loudly. When you get past your own critical viewpoint of yourself and assumptions of other people’s judgment, it’ll help you tremendously. 

So, try to stop catering to what you deem as perfect. Be embarrassing, be loud and slip up; everyone will understand because everyone knows what you are going through. Your friends, your siblings, your classmates, even your teachers and parents have tales of their own. 

Doing something embarrassing isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sure, it’ll redden your cheeks and sting in the moment, but in the grand scheme of things, it will not matter. Soon, the world around you will move on from your mistake. As they move along, you should too.

Your reputation or self worth won’t be challenged by the silly errors you commit or embarrassing encounters you have. Getting up and brushing off your shoulders is all that matters. 

Hold your head high after it happens, even if you have your friends tease you. Don’t give attention to the whispers and judgmental giggling. Look at this moment as it is: a harmless and funny experience you’ll be able to look back on in the future

Don’t be afraid to be yourself and get embarrassed. You will be OK.

With love,

Your own Sidekick