It's very common to feel socially awkward, and it does not necessarily mean that we have a social anxiety disorder. However, it can be useful to figure out what we can do to avoid uncomfortable situations if it's hindering us from living our best life.
According to psychologist Ty Tashiro's book “Awkward: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome,” around 15% of people have social skill challenges and communication difficulties that are considered to make them socially awkward. In many cases, social awkwardness comes from extreme anxiety.
Negative experiences.
Children who experience teasing, bullying, rejection, ridicule or humiliation may be more prone to social anxiety disorder. In addition, other negative events in life, such as family conflict, trauma or abuse, may be associated with this disorder.
Tashiro says most people feel awkward at one time or another. In fact, the average person exhibits 32 percent of the characteristics associated with being socially awkward. Tashiro explains that being awkward may be in your genes.
Many biological conditions can lead to social difficulties, including autism. However, not all autistic individuals will display social awkwardness (though they may struggle inwardly). Moreover, not everyone who is socially awkward is autistic. And, in fact, they don't necessarily have a diagnosable condition.
The stereotypical image of an insecure, socially awkward person is someone who's not that physically attractive. Of course, that cliche is inaccurate. Most people who struggle with shyness and loneliness look fine. Some of them are even above average in the looks department.
While social awkwardness may describe an alternative way of living in the world, social anxiety is a defined medical condition that can cause severe social impairment. According to the Social Anxiety Institute, social anxiety disorder (SAD) describes an intense, recurrent state of emotional stress in social situations.
Social awkwardness is similar to social anxiety in that they both indicate social situations induce anxiousness or stress. A socially awkward person may feel shame and isolated. They tend to be invited less often than their socially confident counterparts, so their self-confidence may start to spiral downward, too.
It can be linked to a history of abuse, bullying, or teasing. Shy kids are also more likely to become socially anxious adults, as are children with overbearing or controlling parents. If you develop a health condition that draws attention to your appearance or voice, that could trigger social anxiety, too.
Dyssemic individuals exhibit varying degrees of social awkwardness and various types of nonverbal communication difficulties. Some might only have trouble with reception or expression alone, while others struggle with both.
Research has shown that there is a high correlation between being intelligent and socially anxious. The higher your IQ, the higher the chance your social apprehension is higher than usual. Of course, that doesn't mean that your social anxiety should be classified as a disorder.
The genetic component of social anxiety disorder is also known as the “heritability” of the disorder. Although heritability rates can vary a great deal in studies, it has been estimated at around 30 to 40 percent, meaning that roughly one-third of the underlying causes of SAD comes from your genetics.
Some conditions, such as social anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), can change the way a person both communicates and interprets social cues.
The following emotional and behavioral symptoms may show up in people with social anxiety: Fearing situations where you might be judged. Fear of showing physical symptoms such as blushing, trembling, sweating, or an unsteady voice. Worrying you will embarrass or humiliate yourself.
You might feel uncomfortable around someone because you have feelings for them, or because it's a toxic or intimidating person. Discomfort can also be a sign of underlying social anxiety or lack of social skills. For example, not knowing what to say can make you worry about awkward silence.
People probably don't notice your awkwardness as much as you think. Here's some research that might come as a relief: In her book, Dahl cites the work of Thomas Gilovich, a social psychologist at Cornell University, whose research suggests that fewer people notice your awkward moments or faux pas than you assume.
You can smile, touch them lightly, lean in, listen intently, tell them you like them, or just pay attention to what they're saying and be engaged in the moment you're in. Even if you're shy, carrying on a conversation and smiling and laughing when something is funny, is definitely doable.
Individuals with ADHD often experience social difficulties, social rejection, and interpersonal relationship problems as a result of their inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Shy children will typically use body language such as fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, and speaking in a low voice when uncomfortable, whereas children with autism may display verbal outbursts or physical aggression due to their inability to regulate their emotions.
Asociality may be associated with avolition, but it can, moreover, be a manifestation of limited opportunities for social relations. Developmental psychologists use the synonyms nonsocial, unsocial, and social uninterest. Asociality is distinct from, but not mutually exclusive to, anti-social behavior.