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The world would be one hell of a boring place without the endless amount of awkward conversations people endure on a daily basis. When you’re in the middle of it, it’s very little fun indeed. We get it. Blushing, sweating and wanting to disappear are some of the very well known adverse effects that come with it. But that’s the price to pay for one heck of a story you gotta tell months and even years later. So in perspective, it’s relatively cheap, right?

So today, we are going on a cringeworthy trip into hilariously painful and embarrassingly awkward exchanges between individuals that have been shared by people online. Scroll down through the collection of priceless convos below, upvote your favorite ones and be sure to share your own awkward convo experiences. And if it feels like you’ve heard similarly cringey dialogues in the first seasons of The Office, it’s likely because only reality can be stranger than fiction.

No one is immune to awkward conversations. I mean, we are all social animals living among fellow human beings, and just as it’s sometimes fun and wonderful to be among them, it's also pretty awkward too. We gotta pay the price for all the fun, right?

So even if we agree that the awkward exchanges you wish would disappear are part of human communication and occasionally we’re gonna get that blushing convo thrown into our daily errands, sometimes the exchanges are so much more complex than that. Especially if you’re dealing with someone who really annoys you. Yep, your colleague, tutor, a friend of friend, you know it.

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Jan Willem ten Dam
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2 years ago

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Haha, oops. Yesterday morning my daughter and I were having a chat. She stopped for a minute and started talking into her phone to send a voice message to her bf. I thought she was done and let out a fart. I realised she hadn't finished when she started laughing. She played it back, and yep, you could hear the fart. We said if her bf hears it we will blame the dog.

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Samantha Lomb
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate those things. It really does seem like they are talking to you and then they always have the nerve to get pissy when you respond as if you routinely look at people's ears before talking

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In order to find out exactly how to remain calm when dealing with people who irritate you, because as you know very well, it’s unavoidable, we spoke with Susan Petang, a certified stress management coach specializing in painful life changes. “For people who are irritating and annoying, ask yourself, 'Why could they be doing that?' Maybe the dog threw up in their shoes. Maybe they had an argument a few minutes ago. Maybe they had a horrible childhood and they don't know any better.”

Susan also reminds us of a truth as old as history: “usually other people's bad behavior has nothing to do with us.” And even if that doesn't justify their behavior, it helps you to stay calmer.

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Narwhal Blast
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, I would've done the same. She should've been more specific. I want ice cream.

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Evil Hornet
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You just need to change Your name to "Muslim" - the easiest way to live with it

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The next phase when learning to deal with people you don’t find comfortable is setting boundaries and limits. “Most of the time, the best strategy is to let people's irritating behavior go. It's usually not worth your energy to confront every person who steps on your toes or annoys you. Sometimes, though, you may decide that a line has been crossed and someone's behavior has to be stopped so it doesn't have a negative effect on you.”

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Susan gave a useful example: “To do that, use an XYZ statement: 'When you do X, I feel Y, and I'd like Z.' Here's what that might sound like: ‘When you criticize the reports I do, I feel angry and unhappy. I'd like to get some constructive feedback instead, if you don't like the way I'm writing them.’”

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Marco Conti
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Put yourself in her shoes. She is probably posting on Reddit this very moment "Some weird guy asked me if he could pet a muffin I was holding" (I figured that "...he could pet my muffin..." would sound even weirder)

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Most importantly, tone and attitude are everything! “There may be a day when you might irritate someone else—so how would you want to be spoken to? Be the change you want to see, because your actions are teaching others how you want to be treated,” the stress management coach concluded.

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Samantha Lomb
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In fairness I've never heard of wine served by the liter even in metric countries. In Russia its glass or bottle.

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Marco Conti
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of my dad when he forgot his glasses and asked my mother who the weird guy by the door was. The "weird guy" was a coat hanger in a restaurant.

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Mihai Mara
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tesco lad trying to get out of an awkward situation: "nooo, it's part of the meal deal" :D

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Mihai Mara
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The customer: "I was afraid to ask, but yes, I would like them in a bag" :) *Po-po-po-poker face po-po-poker face*

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Narwhal Blast
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my nightmare when I go shoe shopping: that someone will try on or steal my shoes...

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Davo gifman
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's hilarious! It's almost as funny as falling down, and eating ass.🥴😁😆🤣

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Frankenfrog
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't break up with anyone at a public place like that. Jerk.

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Monday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should absolutely break up with someone in a public place if there's a chance they'll turn violent. It's much safer.

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Kesam
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In today's episode of "Places not suitable for breaking up": restaurants. Join us again for tomorrow's episode: elevators.

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Nami Tantrum
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i broke up with an ex at a restaurant... the time he wanted to propose was the time i realized i was in an abusive relationship and that i need to get out... i'm glad i was in a puplic place because he did not take it well...

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Wistiti
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why go to a restaurant to break up? You could go to their place to do it, at least they will be in their "comfort zone" - ice creams are in reach. or if you want a neutral place, there's the park! Find a bench with a bit of cover in case the party being caught unaware needs a bit of time to gather themselves.

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AnnaBanana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually agree with doing it on their turf - that way they can save some dignity by kicking you out of their house and slamming the door behind you. You won't care because you want to be rid of them and they will feel like they showed some strength and told you where to go.

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sofacushionfort
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s like something out of a John Cheever story. If the 1950’s aren’t traditional enough, why not go back to the 1890s, when a gentleman always carried two handkerchiefs in case he made a lady cry, but her brother might horsewhip him on the steps of his club.

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Aeon Flux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least he did it in person. Too many stories of text breakups these days.

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Marco Conti
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That must have been surreal. What do you say? "Stop clapping, I just dumped her ass" and make things even worse? So she cries more, those further away think you just told everyone about your upcoming wedding and more people clap. I can see that getting out of hand, with Anderson Cooper interviews, its own YouTube channel, Oprah...

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Mike
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sounds like something that would happen in a Ricky Gervais tv show

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Carolee Samuda-Bailey
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do people think it's okay to break up with someone in public?

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MuddyPuddles
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if you think they'll turn violent, break up over a phone call

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's such a cowardly move, break up in public so they won't make a scene. You deserved every bit of awkwardness.

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Ozymandias73
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. Real smooth. Take her out to eat to break up with her. Class act ass clown.

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Jace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh dear. That’s probably not the best place to break up with a relationship partner, by the way...

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nala simba
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This guy is an idiot who has watched too many stupid films!

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Erla Zwingle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was the conversation that led to the breakup soon after. Being made to cry in a restaurant for whatever reason and somehow choking back the tears is one of the worst experiences ever. Worse than the breakup. Don't do it. It's sadistic.

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Jason Alexander
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is it with all these people saying that breakups are violent? If you have a violent break out, maybe you should rethink the type of people you are dating. The only people I broke up with that went bsc were in high school.

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Cat Crazy Lady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What if the reason someone wants to end it is because it could get violent? Isn't that rethinking? Don't tell me you could tell me right away if someone might abuse you in the future. It can change over time and take time to see peoples "true colors".

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Sinkvenice
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who takes their boy/girlfriend out for dinner with the sole purpose of breaking up with them? Also, why is it being done in public in th

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Sinkvenice
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoops. I didn't meant to press send just yet. Why is it being done in public in the first place?? That poor woman, she must've felt beyond humiliated. I'm glad she's his ex now; purely based on this entry he sounds like an utter d**k.

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Ashley Schriber
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One reason I don't think breaking up by email or text is so damn bad.

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Brendan Roberts
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife's ex broke up with her at a restaurant, and then put money on the table for the food and got up to leave. Rather than have to sit on her own, she made him sit down until she ate her meal and finished her drink. Love her!

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Kendra Miller
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Librarians help a LOT of people. There is a good chance they didn't know you. They were probably ready to point you in the direction of the bathroom except you turned and left. They wouldn't have known what to do with the money so it would have been entered as a donation at the end of the day. Lastly, library accounts expire after a year and at my library are deleted after two years of inactivity, meaning no record of the original fine. It's been three years, it's time to go back and start afresh.

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Donkey boi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why I always make surely to cheek what I've typed before I press scent!

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Luther von Wolfen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same thing happened to my grandmother. She thought her son (my dad) was calling from college. It was actually some other college kid trying to call his mom. They had a nice chat before they figured it out.

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Davo gifman
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well let's hope this story comes to mind if he ever asks you to marry him.

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Monday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did something similar....We had a second unscheduled school assembly one week (the first was because a student had died) and asked my friend group "geez who died this time?"...it was a teacher. He was murdered. We got to go home early.

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Narwhal Blast
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all, maybe they should've started with that and secondly, please learn how to phrase, no matter your position. Not taking orders seems like a good response.

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