Psychological Tricks To Help You Get Out Of Awkward Situations
It's hard to avoid awkward situations. If you've found yourself out of a relationship for a while, trying to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger can be a total nightmare. What do people even talk about?
Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you escape awkwardness when it finds its way into your life. Sometimes, all it takes are some clever mind games.
If Somebody Won't Stop Talking
It can be hard to politely excuse yourself from a seemingly endless conversation. If this happens, drop something and then bend down to pick it up. After that interruption gets their attention, you can politely excuse yourself.
How To Reduce Anxiety
If you have a chronic problem with anxiety, you should see a medical professional, but if you just want to feel less nervous when taking a test or something, try chewing gum. Your body naturally moves into a relaxed state when you mimic eating behaviors.
How To Deal With Angry Customers
People don't like seeing themselves in an unflattering light, so if you put mirrors behind the cash or the front desk in a given establishment (facing customers) they tend to behave better.
How To Get A Song Out Of Your Head
If you have a song stuck in your head, try listening to the last part of the song or singing it to yourself. That will trick your brain into thinking the song is over.
How To Avoid Conflicts
When sitting down for a business meeting (or any kind of meeting) that could get heated, sit next to your conversation partner instead of across from them. This makes people feel like you're on their side.
Don't Ignore It
If you're faced with an awkward moment, acknowledge the awkwardness. Make a joke about how quiet the room is, or how silly your mistake was. Everyone else is probably thinking it, and acknowledging it releases the tension.
Pay For The First Round Of Drinks
People tend to remember the first and last things that happen in a given series of events. If you buy the first round of drinks when you're out with friends, everyone else will likely remember that and offer to pay for subsequent rounds.
Pay Attention To Body Language
If you're meeting a group of people for the first time, pay attention to which way their feet are pointing. If their feet are pointing towards you, they probably like you. If their feet are pointing all different directions, they might be looking for a way out.
Stay Calm During Arguments
When people are yelling, nobody is listening. If you get into a heated argument, stay calm. If somebody is yelling at you, wait until they are calm and then state your point calmly.
How To Get The Answer You Want
If you ask somebody for something or to do something for you, don't give up if it takes them a long time to give you an answer. Just maintain eye contact with them and stay silent. They should come around.
Plan A Successful First Date
First dates can be awkward. To stop awkwardness before it starts, plan ahead. Plan an activity that gets your adrenaline pumping. Your date will associate you with the feeling of having a good time.
Pressure Someone Into Telling The Truth
If you suspect that someone is lying to you, look at them with raised eyebrows and wait for them to adjust their response. They will feel the pressure of your gaze and reveal their inner truth.
If You Think You're Being Watched
If you think that somebody is watching or stalking you, try yawning. Wait and see if the person you think is watching you yawns too. Yawns are contagious, so if they yawn, you're probably onto something.
How To Get Your Kids To Behave
Kids like to make their own decisions. It makes them feel more grown-up. Instead of telling your kids to eat their vegetables, ask them if they want broccoli or carrots. They'll be less likely to tell you "no."
How To Be Intimidating
If somebody is trying to pick a fight with you, look them in the eyes and then look them up and down. This gives off the impression that you assessed the situation and you don't think the other person is a threat.
Don't Volunteer Information
If you overslept or were late to something or need to ask for a favor, don't give away too much information. Just call the person and ask to reschedule. Don't tell them why you need to reschedule unless they ask. No need to come up with an elaborate excuse.
Give Praise In Public And Discipline In Private
This advice is especially applicable to managers and team leaders. Nobody likes to be called out for doing something wrong, and disciplining people in public lowers overall team morale. Giving praise in public does the opposite.
Never Respond To Online Trolls
People who criticize you online are just trying to get a rise out of you. There is no point in engaging with that kind of unhelpful criticism. It's always best to stay silent.
That Friend Who Always Tells The Same Stories
If you have a friend who always tells the same story over and over again, or if they start telling you a story that you've already heard, don't say "you already told me that." Say, "I remember you mentioning that." People love being remembered.
Ask If You're Unsure
So many awkward moments could be avoided if people just asked when they didn't understand something. Misinterpreting is always worse than asking, even if you think you're asking a stupid question.
