ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#4

Awkward-Conversations

medschooladvice Report

Add photo comments
POST
aameef avatar
Jan Willem ten Dam
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

Awkward-Conversations

Report

Add photo comments
POST
james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

Awkward-Conversations

Aa_Kuun Report

Add photo comments
POST
samlomb avatar
Samantha Lomb
Community Member
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

katrinajoson avatar
Katrina Joson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is why my dog can't simply fathom why people on their phone/headset aren't talking to him whenever he passes.. lol

Load More Replies...
oddragnardenglerstl avatar
Odd Ragnar Deng Lerstøl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The rude one here is the one with the headphones. Involving others in a private conversation.

chrismugea avatar
C. Wade
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I'm sorry but that makes no sense. He was in a phone call. Are we supposed to whisper so people don't think we're talking to them? That's mad haha

Load More Replies...
nfrlprdpr avatar
Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*snicker* the world could use more people spreading unintended love bombs

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember the very first time I ever came across someone using an earphone before they were common. I thought the woman was having some kind of breakdown, pacing around talking to herself. Just as I was about to approach her and offer help, she put her hand up to her ear and I saw the earphone. Saved me a world of embarrassment.

ijustchangedmyname avatar
I Just Changed My Name
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bless you for having the attention to offer aid when you thought she was having a moment

Load More Replies...
luthervonwolfen avatar
Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the right way to react when a stranger says "I love you" in an elevator.

luigi_soyyo avatar
Luis Hernandez Dauajare
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Check the Ameriquest Mortgage Company commercial. A lawyer is talking to a client on a Bluetooth earphone. He is at a convinience store. The guy tells his client "you are getting robbed" (about something being expensive)... and then the owner of the store beats him with a baseball bat.

blbrightonoswin_1 avatar
Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has happened to me on the street, people on their phones - You are not paying attention and they say something and you respond with "Are you talking to me"!

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

I love it when they get reception problems and start shouting "Hello? HELLO?! Can you hear me????" Someone nearby will always either say hello back, or YES!

Load More Replies...
freyja-serenstar avatar
GalacticUnicorn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do people on the Bluetooth hidden headset phones always stare at strangers when they're having their own conversation?? The amount of times I've been minding my own business and someone starts right into my face and starts a conversation that ends up being their phone call is unnerving

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

Those bluetooth things are awful sometimes. I'm helping a costumer in the shop and suddenly they start talking random stuff, turns out they got a call. Having a phonecall whilst someone is helping you in a shop is rude to begin with, and those earphones just make it more confusing

robindjw avatar
Robin DJW
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An elevator encounter many years before bluetooth: Man is already in the elevator when I step in. We are alone. Me (18F): Hi. Him (20-something): Hi. Did you get it? Me: The rain in Spain... him: stays mainly in the plain. Me: OK. Yes, it's in the usual drop place. Him: Be careful out there. Me: You, too. Silence until elevator reaches the ground floor and we exit in silence to go our own ways.

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

Oh my goodness 😃😃😂. Did you die a thousand deaths

jasonalexander_1 avatar
Jason Alexander
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plot twist: He was messing with you and really did say "I love you" to you to see what you would do. 🤣

monicapatty avatar
pat hayes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is such a great thread! its so nice to know there are other " doofusses" besides me! ....( and my husband😂"

trinity-macelwain avatar
Talon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

K the funny thing is that one of my friend’s mom has hearing aids but they also I think somehow connect to her phone so she can make calls on them so when I’m at their place sometimes I get so freakin confused when she’s just talking

jennifermcmahan avatar
Jennifer Mcmahan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a doctor in my town that's ALWAYS on her Bluetooth, one day she was talking and talking and I ignored her to not be rude to the person on the line.... Next thing I know she looks at me in my eyes and say "HELLO, What can I do for you?" I was like Oooo, my turn. I never returned.

_4-2 avatar
Manu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have said "anyway, I do still love you too"

janna-nym avatar
No you didn't
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do love the possibility of random strangers telling each other I love yous in elevators.

manusal avatar
El muerto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this guy should have kept the charade going, "no seriously. do love you...please don't turn away from me, beautiful stranger"

keerthivardhan avatar
Keerthi Vardhan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You too should have imitated to have a Bluetooth headset by putting in 2 fingers in your ear, and then said "you know what, I take it back. I hate you" *sulking expression*

lekity avatar
Lee Reynolds
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😂 Oh you poor soul. Don't worry I have done this before too... just not with the same intimate words.

joeedwards avatar
Joe Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have a couple of crazy people in the city I live in that wear them as props so no one stares when they talk to themselves

e-robot01010 avatar
Funhog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The first time I’d encountered someone on a bluetooth earpiece I was in the produce section of the grocery store. I watched this guy carefully select one apple at a time, talk to each one, and either put it back in the pile or into his basket. It was really odd that he was setting up a meeting day, time, and location with these apples.. only after he was done and turned did I see the gadget with the bright blue light on his ear. 🖲👂🏼

spirill avatar
Katrin Richter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are you chasing on me already? Looking him dropped in the eye... blinking... a single tear rolling down the face...

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

That’s hilarious. Why can’t people just share in a good laugh, FFS??

debsburto avatar
Debbie Burton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People that wear the Bluetooth earphone NEED a clip around the ear!

cybermerlin2000 avatar
cybermerlin2000
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When someone says something to me that doesn't seem right, I just give them a weird look. I've had both people on the phone using a Bluetooth earpiece and people pretending to be on the phone, and on one occasion had someone pretend to be on the phone without having either a phone or an earpiece. That one was in a lift, and he realized I noticed he had lied, and he just stood in the corner shuffling his feet. What did he say? "Bit chunky" I am a bit overweight

beaudanner avatar
beau danner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has been making the rounds on the internet since Bluetooth even became a thing

chrismenaster avatar
Chris M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a boss who had an earpiece in all the time - he would just start talking at random times and I would have to decide really quickly whether he was talking to me.

johnl_2 avatar
John L
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know maybe it's just me, but when those things first came out, everyone was using them. I don't see them being used much anymore. I know I stopped, because it was too much trouble keeping them and buying new ones.

gusanoblanco avatar
Sage Gusano
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Back when they were new I was in a Subway and this guy was sitting in the corner talking to himself...I started to worry when he seemed upset....on my way out I saw the blue glow of his ear piece.

mwilliams2024 avatar
Kishibe Angelo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

hahaha he must of been very cnfused at first and realized what was happening

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

Maybe just try for a polite 'thank you' if it happens again!!

davogifman avatar
Davo gifman
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#7

Awkward-Conversations

itsandyryan Report

Add photo comments
POST
simonadavid avatar
Narwhal Blast
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Awkward-Conversations

Jerry_jx9 Report

Add photo comments
POST
evilhornet avatar
Evil Hornet
Community Member
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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.”

ADVERTISEMENT

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.’”

#12

Awkward-Conversations

hdurant Report

Add photo comments
POST
marcoconti avatar
Marco Conti
Community Member
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)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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.

#14

Awkward-Conversations

guelphgirlchris Report

Add photo comments
POST
samlomb avatar
Samantha Lomb
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#17

Awkward-Conversations

AbbieHollowDays Report

Add photo comments
POST
marcoconti avatar
Marco Conti
Community Member
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Awkward-Conversations

DonaghRoisin Report

Add photo comments
POST
mihaimara avatar
Mihai Mara
Community Member
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

Awkward-Conversations

Quoteurlife_ Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#25

Awkward-Conversations

s_rumer18 Report

Add photo comments
POST
mihaimara avatar
Mihai Mara
Community Member
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*

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Awkward-Conversations

EmilyCotugno Report

Add photo comments
POST
simonadavid avatar
Narwhal Blast
Community Member
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...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Awkward-Conversations

gracel721 Report

Add photo comments
POST
davogifman avatar
Davo gifman
Community Member
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.🥴😁😆🤣

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Awkward-Conversations

Report

Add photo comments
POST
kendramiller avatar
Kendra Miller
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Awkward-Conversations

Report

Add photo comments
POST
blue1steven avatar
Donkey boi
Community Member
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!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#39

Awkward-Conversations

Report

#40

Awkward-Conversations

LouiseAtLaw Report

Add photo comments
POST
luthervonwolfen avatar
Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
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.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

Awkward-Conversations

lilyannatrnr Report

Add photo comments
POST
davogifman avatar
Davo gifman
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#46

Awkward-Conversations

UnkieGrumpy Report

Add photo comments
POST
wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#49

Awkward-Conversations

sznvibes Report

Add photo comments
POST
simonadavid avatar
Narwhal Blast
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

Awkward-Conversations

realoverheardla Report

Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.