We all have those moments when we bump into someone we’ve only met once or twice, and the awkwardness sets in.
It’s not that we’re rude or unsociable, it’s just that these encounters can be a tad uncomfortable.
According to psychology, there are certain traits displayed by people who routinely feel this way. And I’ve got to tell you, knowing these traits can be quite enlightening.
So, let’s dive into these seven characteristics that make some of us squirm when faced with someone we barely know.
1) They are introverts
Introversion is a personality trait that psychologists have been studying for decades.
People who identify as introverts often prefer to spend time alone or in small groups. They enjoy their own company and find large social gatherings draining.
So it’s no surprise that running into someone they barely know can be a source of discomfort for them. The lack of familiarity, the uncertainty of how to act, and the pressure to make conversation can be overwhelming.
And while not all introverts feel this way, it’s a common trait among those who do. Just remember, introversion is not a flaw – it’s just a different way of interacting with the world.
2) They are perfectionists
Perfectionism is another trait that can make these chance encounters seem intimidating.
I’m a self-proclaimed perfectionist and I can vouch for this. I like things to be just right. Whether it’s a work project or a casual conversation, I want everything to be perfect.
That means when I run into someone I barely know, my mind races. What do I say? How should I act? What if I say something stupid? The pressure to make the interaction flawless can turn a simple chat into a nerve-wracking ordeal.
It’s a battle within, but recognizing this trait in myself has helped me to handle these situations better. Understanding that it’s okay to not have perfect interactions all the time has eased the tension significantly.
Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy or nervous. It’s a fear of social situations that can cause significant distress and hinder daily life.
People with social anxiety often worry about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in front of others. This can make running into someone they barely know an incredibly daunting task.
Interestingly, social anxiety disorder affects 15 million adults in the United States. That’s a sizable portion of the population that understands exactly how tough these seemingly casual encounters can be.
4) They have high empathy
People with high levels of empathy often find themselves feeling awkward during unexpected social encounters.
Being highly empathetic means they are tuned into the emotions of others. In situations where they run into someone they barely know, they may pick up on subtle signals of discomfort or unease from the other person. This can make the interaction feel awkward, even if it wouldn’t normally be.
They also tend to worry more about how the other person is feeling, which can add an extra layer of stress to the encounter. But remember, while it might be a source of discomfort, empathy is also a wonderful trait that allows us to connect deeply with others.
5) They prefer planned interactions
Here’s something about me – I’m a planner. I thrive on having a schedule and knowing what’s coming up. Spontaneous social interactions, like running into someone I barely know, can throw me off balance.
The unpredictability of the situation, the sudden need to switch gears mentally, and the pressure to come up with conversation topics on the spot – it can all be quite unnerving.
I’ve come to realize that this need for planned interactions is a trait shared by many who feel awkward in these unexpected social scenarios. And acknowledging it has helped me find strategies to cope better when surprises do pop up.
6) They are self-conscious
Self-consciousness can play a big role in feeling awkward when running into someone you barely know.
When you’re self-conscious, you’re acutely aware of how you appear to others. This heightened sense of self can make any social interaction feel like you’re under a microscope.
Whether it’s worrying about how your hair looks, if you’re dressed appropriately, or if you’re coming off as interesting enough, these thoughts can amplify the awkwardness of the encounter.
But remember, everyone has moments of self-doubt. It’s part of being human. The key is to not let it rule your interactions.
7) They value deep connections
People who feel awkward when they run into someone they barely know often value deep, meaningful connections.
Surface-level chitchat can feel insincere or unfulfilling to them. They crave conversations of substance, ones that allow them to truly connect with the other person.
This is not a shortcoming, but rather a testament to their desire for authenticity in their relationships. It’s a trait that should be celebrated, as it often leads to profound connections and long-lasting friendships.
