I think that everyone who attends college will feel embarrassed at some point during their four years at school. That’s fair! When you’re meeting tons of new people and doing tons of new things, it only makes sense that you’ll do something that makes you blush. Since I started at UMass, I can certainly say that I’ve found myself in an awkward situation or two (or more), but with the help of my trusty mantra, I can honestly say that I don’t get embarrassed easily.
I used to endlessly think about everything I did that was even the smallest bit embarrassing, especially in middle school and early high school. I would somehow manage to blow up the smallest interaction into the world’s most embarrassing encounter in my head. However, as I got older, I naturally stopped over analyzing myself, which is one of the best things that’s happened to me. I still replay my words and actions over in my head sometimes, but now I’m able to let it all go.
Once I started thinking less and less about how I was looked at as I went about my day, I was able to actively stop being embarrassed. I would find myself in an embarrassing situation, but I’d also be able to tell myself that this really isn’t a big deal and it’s just a part of life. Now, this is just second nature for me — if I ever end up in an awkward situation, it’s no problem for me to just get through it and let it go (and probably even laugh about it!).
My roommate and I were talking one night in the fall, and she shared an embarrassing (and very funny) story with me about something that had happened to her that day. After we got our laughs out, I told her my motto: it’s only embarrassing if you’re embarrassed. And it’s true! So many encounters that we consider to be “embarrassing” are just regular interactions that are a part of life. It’s better to just laugh about it and move on.
After talking with my roommate that night, I started to think a little bit about what it really means to be embarrassed. I came to the conclusion that while yes, some things really are embarrassing, most things that make us turn red just aren’t. Embarrassment, and the other negative feelings that come with it, are pretty pointless emotions. It stops us from getting out of our comfort zones and trying new things, and that’s no way to live.
Chances are, you’re the only person thinking about how you waved at someone waving to the person behind you or how you only put mascara on one eye before class this morning. Think about it, if you saw someone else in either of those situations, you wouldn’t think twice about it, and maybe you’d even have a little sympathy. We’re so much more judgemental of our own actions when it comes to embarrassment, but the truth is, nobody else cares!
I encourage you to try to live your life free from embarrassment. If you can stop yourself from being embarrassed, then nothing is embarrassing any more! It’s human nature to make silly mistakes and say the wrong thing sometimes, so cut yourself some slack. Of course, this can be easier said than done, but it really does feel so much better to let things go and not sweat the small stuff. Remember: it’s only embarrassing if you’re embarrassed!
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