What is not awkward that feels awkward?
The Willistonian set out to find common activities that make people feel unusually awkward. Here’s what we found:
- Tying your shoes while people are walking behind you:
Caroline Aufiero, a senior from Belmont, Mass., was enthusiastic to talk about why this simple, everyday task makes her feel embarrassed.
“Stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to tie your shoes is THE most embarrassing thing to ever do,” she said. “Walking with your shoe untied is also awkward.”
Senior Daliah Elvin, who was listening to Caroline talk about tying her shoes, agreed passionately.
“That is SO embarrassing,” she said.
2. Clearing your plate in the dining hall:
“Everybody is staring at you, even if they aren’t actually staring at you,” said Caroline.
3. Asking to go to the bathroom during class:
Even though it’s totally normal, for some reason this one makes me cringe to do.
4. Getting seconds:
When no one else is getting food, getting seconds feels isolating and extremely awkward.
5. Walking past people on the bridge:
Chase Livingston, a senior from Westerly, R.I., agrees that the bridge crossing the pond is a bit awkward because “you are so confined and you have to look straight ahead because it’s a long stretch,” he said.
6. Bringing a tour into a classroom:
Hudson Fulcher-Melendy, one of the tour guides at Williston, feels awkward when bringing tours into classrooms.
“Everyone is looking at you even though you aren’t the center of attention,” he said.
7. Walking into assembly late:
All eyes on you. It happens every time. Without a doubt.
8. Holding the door for someone and they run to get there:
The awkward amount of time when someone is running to catch up to the door is uncomfortable and awkward for both people.
9. When you are crossing the street and a day student is pulling out of the day student lot and they have to stop for you:
Durgin Sheilds, a senior from Deerfield, Mass., feels uncomfortable when he is “passing by someone you saw 20 seconds ago and they don’t wave to you when you are crossing the street.”
10. When someone waves to the person behind you and you wave back:
This one needs no explanation. So awkward.
