Definition
We feel embarrassed when others know (and perhaps tell us) that we have done something bad.
>> Why We Have This Emotion
Embarrassment signals to us that we slipped up. It prompts us to make quick repairs with apologies, some light humor, or temporarily stepping back for a moment.
◈ How It Shows Up
“Whoops! My bad”Blushing, warm face and neckAwkward laughter and fidgetingWanting to hide or fix it immediatelyQuickly changing topics
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Be gentle with yourself
- Make a quick acknowledgement
- Label the moment in one sentence
- Reframe it as a human moment
- Use a light apology or humor
- Simply move on
Bad Ideas
- Refuse to acknowledge your error
- Erase it with a risky grand gesture
- Fish for reassurance from others
- Overexplain or justify your action
- Harsh self-talk for your gaffe
- Make a dramatic exit