We’ve all been there — the cringeworthy moments when words come out wrong or when a heartfelt gesture like a hug goes unreciprocated, or a pause in a conversation lingers just long enough to become ...

The holidays offer many opportunities for awkward moments. Political discussions, of course, hold plenty of potential. But any time opinions differ, where estrangements have caused lingering rifts, or ...

Thanksgiving is the Super Bowl of awkwardness. You love these people (mostly), but the scripts are fuzzy. Do we hug? Do we talk politics? What do I say when someone hits me with the third “so, how’s ...

Haupt is a health and wellness editor at TIME. Haupt is a health and wellness editor at TIME. Israel and Hamas agree to ‘first phase’ of peace deal, how California’s new AI law protects whistleblowers ...

Alexandra Plakias does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond ...

Even the most socially agile person can find themselves dumfounded by some of life's more awkward situations. There is no obvious way to deal with a friend negging you or an in-law asking you rude ...

Awkward can be awesome. Don’t believe me? Allow me to embarrass myself for your benefit. Exhibit A: The day I wore mismatched shoes—two completely different ones. I had back-to-back meetings, ...

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