Within the last few years, at least in my opinion, there’s been an upsurge of embarrassment. Not because things have suddenly become more embarrassing to do, but because people seem more easily ashamed. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and losing the carefree attitude I had as a kid, but it feels like you’re supposed to be embarrassed to stand out even a little in a crowd.
I’ll admit that I’m sometimes guilty of caring too much about what other people think. But I don’t think that’s my nature. If anything, I’m the opposite. I’m naturally outgoing, love being the center of attention, and spirited. Somewhere along the way, though, I think I’ve let myself be convinced that exhibiting these qualities in public is disconcerting and makes things awkward for everyone.
But that really isn’t the case.
I can’t remember the last time I saw someone being themselves or joking around with their friends, and thought they should quiet down or be embarrassed. In all honesty, I don’t want to be around people who are embarrassed by me anyway.
All of this is to say: don’t let embarrassment hold you back.
Just before spring break, I was asked to join an intramural soccer team. My immediate thought was hell no. I pictured myself completely missing a shot or tripping over the ball in front of everyone. I didn’t want my friends on the team to see that, let alone our opponents.
Still, I reluctantly agreed to join, realizing that letting hypotheticals stop me was kind of stupid.
At our first game, I was nervous, but once we started playing, I was actually having fun. Then, during the next game, my worst fear happened: I tripped in front of everyone. But no one laughed. In fact, someone from the other team even offered to help me up.
That moment made me realize something important. The worst assumption you can make is that people are mean. People aren’t rooting for you to fail. We’re all just trying to make memories and have fun while we can.
I’m not saying it’s wrong to have anxiety about standing out in public. For some people, that’s just natural. But if you’re someone who’s naturally a little louder than your friends, a little sillier, or whatever it may be, then be that.
To me, what’s more embarrassing than standing out is fitting in at the risk of not being yourself.
So join the intramural team. Talk to the person you like, even if they might not like you back. Laugh your own laugh, however loud it may be.
Nobody cares!