Sometimes you meet someone and the conversation just doesn’t flow. It’s like the other person just doesn’t know how to act or what to say. It’s not their fault — it just might be social awkwardness. We all have those moments, but for some people, it’s a more common experience. Here are some signs that prove this is the case.
1. They avoid eye contact at all costs.
Eye contact is a key part of communication, the University of Nottingham notes, but for someone who’s socially awkward, it can feel super uncomfortable. They may stare at the ground, dart their eyes around nervously, or even avoid looking at you altogether. It’s not that they’re trying to be rude, they’re just feeling a bit overwhelmed by the social interaction and not sure where to focus their attention.
2. They struggle to start or maintain conversations.
Striking up a conversation can feel like a daunting task for a socially awkward person. They might not know what to say, worry about saying the wrong thing, or simply feel uncomfortable with the back-and-forth of conversation. That can translate into one-word answers, changing the subject abruptly, or letting awkward silences linger for too long. It’s not that they don’t want to talk to you, they just find social interactions overwhelming.
3. They often say or do things that are inappropriate or embarrassing.
Socially awkward people sometimes lack the social filter that tells most of us when a comment is inappropriate or a joke has fallen flat. They might blurt out something without thinking or tell a joke that nobody finds funny. They could also have quirky habits or mannerisms that make other people feel uncomfortable. Obviously, they’re not trying to be offensive or weird, even if that’s how they come off.
4. They’re overly self-conscious and worry about what people think of them.
Source: Unsplash Social anxiety and self-consciousness often go hand-in-hand with social awkwardness. They stress over how people see them and whether or not they’re saying the right things, wearing the right clothes, or making a good impression. This self-consciousness can make them even more awkward because they become so focused on these anxieties that they lose sight of the actual conversation.
5. They find it hard to read social cues.
This is a tough one. Socially awkward people tend to miss subtle hints, misinterpret body language, and fail to pick up on sarcasm or humour. This can lead to misunderstandings and awkward pauses in the conversation. Don’t write them off as clueless, though — they just haven’t quite mastered the art of non-verbal communication.
6. They often feel like they don’t fit in.
Parties and other social gatherings can feel like a foreign country for a socially awkward person. They feel out of place or like they don’t belong, which is tough to deal with. In comparison to the social butterflies in the room, they feel like they’re not as cool, funny, or interesting. What’s worse is that this feeling of not fitting in can lead to further isolation and withdrawal from social situations.
7. They’re uncomfortable with physical touch.
Source: Unsplash Hugs, handshakes, and pats on the back seem like harmless enough gestures, but they can be incredibly uncomfortable for someone who’s socially awkward. They might tense up, pull away, or simply avoid physical contact altogether. They don’t dislike you, they just have a different comfort level with physical touch.
8. They tend to overthink and overanalyse social interactions.
Source: Unsplash After a social event, a socially awkward person will likely spend hours replaying conversations in their head, analysing every word and gesture. They’ll obsess over whether they said something stupid, made a bad impression, or offended someone unintentionally. This overthinking can be exhausting and lead to anxiety and self-doubt.
9. They have trouble expressing their emotions openly.
Source: Unsplash Sharing feelings can be a challenge for the socially awkward. They might feel uncomfortable talking about their emotions, or they might not even be fully aware of what they’re feeling in the first place. As a result, they tend to bottle things up, or express themselves in unconventional ways. This can make it difficult to connect with people on a deeper level and build strong, meaningful relationships.
10. They prefer to talk online rather than face-to-face.
The internet provides a buffer for socially awkward people, meaning they can interact with people without the pressure and anxiety of face-to-face communication. Chatting online or via text meany they have time to think about their responses and avoid the awkward pauses that can happen in person. This can be a great way to connect with people, but it’s important to remember that real-life interactions are also important for building strong relationships and developing social skills.
11. They tend to avoid social situations altogether.
Source: Unsplash If socialising feels like a constant source of stress and anxiety, it’s tempting to avoid it altogether. Socially awkward people often decline invitations, make excuses for not going out, or simply prefer to spend time alone. Obviously, this can lead to further isolation and loneliness, but it can also be a way to protect themselves from the discomfort and overwhelm of social situations.
12. They struggle with sarcasm and humour.
Source: Unsplash Sarcasm and humour often rely on subtle cues, tone of voice, and cultural references that can be difficult for socially awkward people to get to grips with. They might take jokes literally, miss the punchline, or laugh at inappropriate times, which then makes them feel like they don’t “get it” and just makes them feel even more isolated.
13. They have difficulty with physical coordination or clumsiness.
While not always the case, some socially awkward people might also struggle with physical coordination or clumsiness. Maybe they bump into things, spill drinks, or trip over their own feet, and this clumsiness can be embarrassing and further add to their social anxiety. Of course, everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and being clumsy doesn’t make someone any less valuable or worthy of connection.
