Personal Development

Even if you suffer from social anxiety disorder (SAD), practicing small talk and dealing with disagreement during uncomfortable conversations can be beneficial. You can learn to handle social situations that make you feel uncomfortable by practicing your social skills, preparing in advance, and recognizing when to utilize humor. You can use these strategies in your next uncomfortable social encounter. Understanding Awkward Conversations Learn what's making you uneasy and utilize that knowledge to control the situation. The other person may have a strong opinion that differs from yours, or there may be a lot of awkward silences. If you can figure out what's causing the awkwardness, you can start working on fixing the problem. If the other person just stated something shocking, it's acceptable to say, "I am thinking about what you said," so that you can take some time to process the information. Keep Awkward Conversations Flowing There's a good reason why prolonged quiet can feel awkward. Researchers at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands found that those who are able to carry on natural conversations with others report higher levels of self-esteem, social validation, and group membership. Find Humor in Awkward Conversations If you find yourself in an awkward conversation, it may be time to try to lighten the mood. You can do this by delivering a funny anecdote, making light of your own circumstances, or telling a joke. Keeping things lighthearted is a great way to ease tensions and get things going in a conversation. Overcome Awkwardness With Compromise Disagreements can make otherwise pleasant interactions uncomfortable. Always look for a middle ground in these sorts of situations. Show compassion for the other person and attempt to see things from their point of view. By doing so, you may be able to appreciate the other person's perspective without giving up your own. Listen and Paraphrase Try paraphrasing what the other person says if you find yourself at a loss for words. Make light of the situation by saying something like, "It sounds like you are really upset about your grade on that project." if your new acquaintance at school is upset about a poor grade. Ask a Question Maybe you're in an uncomfortable conversation because you don't know much about the other person. Asking questions might help you identify common ground and start conversations in these settings. Plan at least three open-ended "go-to" questions (that start with "how" or "what") to use if you enter into an uneasy conversation with a stranger if you know you will be in a position where you will be talking to strangers. Don't exert yourself too much here, either. Change the Topic in Awkward Conversations When conversation seems to be stalling, try one of these fresh topics. Keep a supply on hand and pull one out the next time you feel like no one is contributing. Popular television shows, a shared experience (like a forthcoming examination), or current events are all good examples of conversation starters. Be Assertive in Awkward Conversations It's vital to speak up for yourself if you're having a conversation with someone who is being impolite, asking improper questions, or otherwise making you feel uncomfortable. Say something confident and in charge, like "I would rather not discuss that." If you're having trouble avoiding an unpleasant person, try shifting the conversation's focus to something else or someone else entirely. It's important to not bottle up negative emotions for fear of how spiteful and bitter you'll get over time. Keep Quiet Not every circumstance necessitates verbal exchange. While it's true that chatting easily with friends helps you bond with them, it's not always necessary to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. It's okay if your bus or aircraft seatmate doesn't want to chat with you the whole time. If the other person makes a lot of one-word comments, folds his or her arms, or leans away, those are symptoms that he or she may prefer just to be silent. Deal With Awkward Topics If something has been stated that makes the situation difficult, handle it with tact. Say something like, "Oh, that's interesting," to change the subject. I'd rather keep chatting about football or something equally innocuous. If someone interjects an awkward comment in the middle of an ongoing conversation, consider pausing for a little silence, and then continue the original line of topic, rather than addressing what was said (also known as "saving face" for the person who made the error). Choose Kindness A talk may be awkward if someone is grieving a loss or if there is a disagreement amongst family members. The best method to deal with these kinds of problems is to bring them out into the open, in a caring and understanding manner. Express your condolences by stating your sadness at the loss. I know this must be a trying moment for you. It's better not to dwell on the subject if feelings are still raw (as they may be in a family quarrel), as doing so could reopen previous wounds. Exit Awkward Conversations Gracefully Be prepared and plan ahead for a graceful exit if there is truly nothing else to say or if you need to quit a conversation for any other reason. Constantly express gratitude to the other person for engaging in conversation. You can leave a conversation with someone who is monopolizing your time by saying that you need to get another drink or something similar. Be Understanding Not everyone thrives in the company of others. It can take more time for someone to feel comfortable in a new setting with new people if they suffer from shyness or social anxiety on a daily basis. Be patient and compassionate if someone you just met is shy and awkward with you. Manage Your Own Social Anxiety Do what you can to control your feelings of shyness or social anxiety if they cause you to feel uncomfortable in social situations. If your anxiety is severely interfering with your life, you should contact a therapist and work on your social skills, as well as study self-help books on overcoming shyness and social anxiety. You owe it to yourself and the people you will be speaking to in the future to learn to control your emotions. Explain Awkward Endings Conversations are frequently broken off abruptly. If you've had a conversation that ended awkwardly, don't just move on with your life; apologize or bring it up the next time you see that individual. Don't take it personally, but you should explain why you had to leave. Explaining that it's normal to feel overwhelmed in social circumstances can assist someone with social anxiety feel more at ease.