Life can be awkward. Every day at work and every night out with friends, we try to avoid every faux pas in the book. And sometimes, we fail. Our friends at Reddit put out the call for the things that never stop being awkward, and we were nodding in agreement to pretty much all of them. So, without further ado, let's dive into things that never stop being awkward. Oh, and tell us what your most cringe-inducing life moments are in the comments section below!
Chew Faster! Chew Faster!
Those times when someone swoops in on you when you're in mid-chew and they expect answers to things. And you do that lame little smile/grimace while gesturing that you're just going to finish chewing. But their eyes on you causes the food to immediately taste like cardboard as you desperately try to chew and swallow.
—ohbubbles
Are You Talking To Yourself…Or the Voices in Your Head?
Responding to someone's question, only to realize they're talking on Bluetooth.
—LizzyLem
Seriously, Not Turning Seven Here
Having happy birthday sung to you. I never f***ing know what to do. Do I just look down and smile? Do I have to watch? Should I sing too?
—Drock4U
Whyyy? Don't Look Up, Don't!
Accidentally making eye contact through a bathroom stall.
—scyth3rr
Bye! See You Soon!
Saying goodbye to someone then realizing they’re going the same way as you.
—ForToday
Pretend You Don't See Them, Don't Lock Eyes, Oh Hi!
When you see someone you know wayyy down the hallway, and you both pretend you didn’t see each other until you’re a comfortable distance away.
—SamanthaParkington
Just Keep Hugging Your Grandma
Greeting/saying goodbye to cousins. See them two or three times a year, we are all not that close. Do we kiss, hug, shake hands?
—TheLighterDr
Oh Hey, Just Fanning the Air For No Reason
When someone waves at you from across the room and you wave back. But it turns out they were waving to their friend, who is standing right behind you.
—StickleyMan
It Wasn't Awkward Before ... But Now It Is
People who say "well this is awkward" whenever there's a pause in conversation.
—Fort Lotus
Really, Really Love When This Happens at Work
When you sneeze so many times that people stop saying "bless you," leaving you vulnerable to disease and/or demonic possession.
—thischocolateburrito
Do You Fast Walk? Or Wave Them On? Double Awkward.
When someone holds the door open for you but you’re a little too far away and then they end up standing at the door waiting for you.
—percymiracles
Yeah, We Get This. See Above Regarding Cousins.
Awkward side hugs. You know what I'm talking about.
—SeldomScene
Uhhh, MMM, Ow!
Dentist trying to talk to you while he has his hands in my mouth.
—carmicdy
Never, Ever Say This. Ever.
Oh, congratulations. When are you due?
[response:] I'm not pregnant, I'm just a fat person!
—DarsKeo
Yep, We Do This Too. All the Time.
That stupid jog that you always have to do when a car stops to let you cross the street. When walking's too slow and running's too weird.
—glittermermaid
Tanya Edwards is a contributing writer for iVillage. Follow her on Twitter and Google+.
A version of this story originally appeared on iVillage.