Article created by: Mindaugas Balčiauskas

There are so many things that separate and divide us—politics, religion, favorite flavors of ice cream—that it can sometimes seem impossible that human beings are capable of getting along at all! Society, suddenly, seems on the precipice of constantly breaking down. However, there is one thing that deeply unites humanity—awkward moments.

Hear me out. It’s those moments when you tell someone ‘hi’ without them saying anything back, having your stomach rumble in public, or forgetting an acquaintance’s name (it’s way too late to ask them now!) that truly gets all of us cringing in embarrassment. Reddit users have been sharing these super awkward situations that everyone can relate to in a viral thread, so we’ve picked out the best of the best for you to enjoy, dear Pandas. Upvote the awkward moments that you’ve been in and share your own in the comments.

Meanwhile, I reached out to Vanessa Bohns, an Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at Cornell University and the author of the forthcoming book 'You Have More Influence Than You Think,’ to learn more about the embarrassment that we feel in awkward situations and how's it's got its upsides. Check out her full interview with Bored Panda below, dear Pandas.

#1

Group of young adults working on laptops around a table, illustrating extremely awkward situations we can all relate to in daily life. When you start to tell a story in a group but in middle of sentence realize that no one is actually listening and ever so slowly you get quiet and hope no one took notice.

aSadGirlsTongue , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #2

    Four young adults sharing extremely awkward situations while enjoying coffee and using a tablet at a wooden table. When you've had multiple interactions with someone but you can't remember their name but it's gone too far to admit you've forgotten it so you just have to call them love or mate forever.

    Ells_Bells1 , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #3

    Three people sitting outdoors on a blanket, experiencing extremely awkward situations in a casual natural setting. When you’re having a conversation with someone and you don’t hear what they say so you ask them to repeat and they do. But you still don’t hear it and ask them to repeat again and they do. And you still don’t know what they said. Do you ask them to repeat again (and maybe still not hear it)? Pretend you heard it and nod your head and hope it’s an appropriate response? Stab yourself in the eye with a pen to create a diversion and change the subject?

    california_chrome , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #4

    Young man in a white shirt awkwardly wiping his nose with a tissue, illustrating relatable awkward situations concept. Seasonal allergies during Covid-19.

    chapterpt , Unsplash Report

    #5

    Four young adults sitting on a concrete bench outdoors, casually dressed, illustrating relatable awkward situations. When you try to contribute to a conversation and someone cuts you off multiple times.

    Vintage_Nightmare , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #6

    People shopping in a large warehouse store aisle filled with stacked boxes and products, capturing relatable awkward situations. When you're next in line at the grocery store with your mom and she leaves you to "just get one more thing" and the anxiety and awkwardness builds because you're up and she's nowhere to be found.

    -eDgAR- , unsplash Report

    #7

    A group of young adults laughing and talking outside, capturing relatable awkward situations in social settings. Standing there while two people talk about something you don't know about.

    afrocircus6969 , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #8

    Woman holding a package awkwardly opening a door, capturing a relatable extremely awkward situation moment. Walking through a doorway only to catch your clothes on the handle and have it slingshot you backwards.

    katyisanut , pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #9

    Two people walking on a forest trail with backpacks, capturing a relatable awkward situation in nature. When you're walking on a sidewalk with 2 other friends and you're the person that does not fit so you have to stay behind them.

    jairoandres92 , pexels Report

    #10

    Young woman awkwardly drinking water from a glass, highlighting extremely awkward situations we can all relate to. When you swallow water wrong and it turns to a coughing fit in 2020.

    burnswhenipeeee , pexels Report

    #11

    Bathroom scene with toilet, towels, and open door, illustrating extremely awkward situations we can all relate to. You ever clogged a toilet in somewhere that wasn't your house.

    Tutlessss , flickr (not the actual photo) Report

    #12

    Person holding a birthday cake with lit candles in a dim room, capturing an awkward situation many can relate to. Having “happy birthday” sung to you.

    bailsgrhm , pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #13

    Man in a tan coat captured mid-fall outdoors, illustrating awkward situations many can relate to in everyday life. When you're walking and almost trip for no reason and look back at the invisible stick that you tripped on.

    Martyscurll5 , pexels Report

    #14

    Modern tech store interior with a person walking, showcasing gadgets and highlighting extremely awkward situations lighting. When you walk out of the store empty handed, feeling like you've just stole something.

    Yelloweq , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #15

    Two women walking on a sunny street, holding bags, capturing a relatable moment of awkward situations outdoors. When you’re saying goodbye to someone, and then you both end up walking in the same direction. Or when you turn and walk into a wall with people watching.

    whatthedeafearhears , pexels (not the actual photo) Report

    #16

    Person standing alone at an outdoor market at night with festive lights and other people nearby in awkward situations. Saying “hello” or “how are you” to somebody and getting 100% ignored.

    2Alien4Earth , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #17

    Person wearing a mask reading a newspaper on subway, capturing an everyday awkward situation we can all relate to. When someone sits beside you in metro or bus when there are hundreds of seats available.

    siva-pc , pexels Report

    #18

    A group of six people casually seated around a table in a bright office, sharing relatable awkward situations. Having your stomach rumble in the middle of a quiet class/meeting.

    JSuperStition , unsplash Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #19

    Street pole covered with various stickers in an urban setting, illustrating extremely awkward situations we all relate to. Bumping into an inanimate object and apologizing to it.

    StCecilia98 , unsplash Report

    #20

    Woman working at a cash register in a store, surrounded by merchandise and holiday decorations, awkwardly looking away. When you're finishing up at the checkout and the cashier puts the notes on top of the receipt and then coins on top of that. Then the next person steps up and you're fumbling, trying to disassemble the stack in your hand, gather your shopping, say thanks and move away at the same time.

    Dominoodles , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #21

    Man walking in urban area wearing headphones and backpack, illustrating relatable awkward situations shared online. When you're walking behind someone that has a slightly slower pace than you, so you start to pass them, but then have that awkward moment when you're walking next to them before you cut in front of them.

    -eDgAR- , pexels Report

    #22

    When you hold the door for someone but realize that they're actually kinda far away so they have to do the awkward skipping thing and you feel awful.

    -Greenlung Report

    #23

    Pooping at someone else’s house.

    AlarmingNectarine Report

    #24

    Young man using laptop and phone outdoors, appearing awkward and distracted in an awkward situation relatable to all. When you reply to a stranger who says hello, but then realize they were on the phone and not speaking to you. Happened to me just yesterday and I didn't get any sleep last night as I couldn't stop reliving the moment.

    TheCobras , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #25

    Two women in beige coats having an awkward conversation outdoors, capturing relatable awkward situations shared by many. Not hearing what the other person said, so you just nod and smile, praying it wasn't a question.

    CrispyChocolate , pexels Report

    #26

    Man walking on pavement in blue blazer and black pants carrying a brown leather briefcase in awkward situations context. When you're walking past coworker and you've already said hello earlier. Everyone's making that weird flat smile.

    CammyMM , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #27

    Coming out of a public toilet after laying a beast and there is someone waiting to go in the cubicle.

    Diggerinthedark Report

    #28

    When you run out of things to say during a conversation and you’re not quite sure how to end it.

    Ronin12793 Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #29

    When someone says words incorrectly like "expecially" but it's rude to correct them because they're a stranger, or your boss, or your new girlfriend's/boyfriend's parents... but you're dying inside.

    mblount012 Report

    #30

    Three people at an outdoor café sharing a laptop, illustrating extremely awkward situations we can all relate to. When you say a funny joke but all you get is silence...

    imperilis , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #31

    Young boy focused on a tablet at a wooden table, illustrating extremely awkward situations we can all relate to. Being at a friends house as a kid and the friend's mother starts yelling at your friend. Being at a friends house as a kid and the friend's father walks in only wearing underwear.

    TheBassMeister , unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #32

    Someone showing everyone in the group something on their phone and waiting until it is your turn.

    cbakapeiehnak Report

    #33

    Card declining.

    Reshoketswe Report

    #34

    Hands under a modern faucet with running water, illustrating an extremely awkward situation we can all relate to. Go to wash your hands and the water comes out at a thousand miles an hour, splashing your crotch. You are of course, at work.

    PM_THE_REAPER , unsplash Report