Things that make you feel awkward..

ree-Xi · #1 05-06-2011, 11:50 AM

Today we have some ladies coming here to clean my house. Since I have been sick, I haven't been able to do the heavy duty cleaning or doing/using things that might make effect my lungs, so we hired a service to do spring cleaning.

I'm sitting in the one room they are not doing - my hubby's home office - and feel really awkward about having other people clean my house. At least I have a ton of phone calls to make. But it still feels so weird!!

What makes you feel awkward?

LatinaAlumna · #2 05-06-2011, 11:55 AM

I feel awkward when the cable guy, or some other service person comes to the house. I never know what to do--should I just stay in the next room, should I engage them in chit-chat, etc.? lol

Tulip86 · #3 05-06-2011, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LatinaAlumna

I feel awkward when the cable guy, or some other service person comes to the house. I never know what to do--should I just stay in the next room, should I engage them in chit-chat, etc.? lol

Same here, I always awkwardly hover, feels weird to be standing around, but you don't just want to leave.

christiangirl · #4 05-07-2011, 01:13 AM

I can't maneuver the forum functions very well on my phone so I guess I'll just have to list them.

1. Ditto on the arguing but it's even worse when you can tell a couple is trying NOT to argue so things are just super tense and quiet instead.

2. when you have a mutual acquaintance with someone and that person wronged them in some way.
You: "How do you know Mike?"
Her: "He stood me up for a date once."
You:

3. Ditto on everyone excitedly talking about plans that do not include you.

4. When someone is telling you a story or sharing something personal but you're running late and reeeaallyyy have to go.

lovespink88 · #5 05-07-2011, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christiangirl

4. When someone is telling you a story or sharing something personal but you're running late and reeeaallyyy have to go.

LOL this reminds me of a similar awkward situation. When you're leaving work and making general small talk with a co-worker, but somehow one of you gets into a story but then you arrive at the exit and you two are going opposite directions so the person telling the story has to wrap it up super fast and then it doesn't make sense and it's really pointless and awkward. This has happened to me (both being the story teller and story listener) a few times, haha

aephi alum · #6 05-06-2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LatinaAlumna

I feel awkward when the cable guy, or some other service person comes to the house. I never know what to do--should I just stay in the next room, should I engage them in chit-chat, etc.? lol

How coincidental that this thread was started today. I had workmen in my house all day installing a replacement central air system because my old system crapped out. It was kind of awkward having several male strangers traipsing around my house ... I pretty much stayed in my office as I had to work anyway.

When a service person comes to the house, I generally stay out of his/her way, but not too far away, for two reasons - I want to be available if s/he has any questions for me, and I want to be sure nothing walks away with the service person (for heaven's sake, you're letting a complete stranger into your home). It does feel awkward to be sitting down in the basement in a folding chair at a folding table with my laptop when I could be upstairs in my office at a proper desk - and I'm sure they know EXACTLY why I'm downstairs and not upstairs.

clarinette · #7 05-06-2011, 12:30 PM

It's awkward when someone is mad and getting in someone else's face while I'm sitting right there and can't leave.

victoriana · #8 05-06-2011, 01:06 PM

It's awkward when someone talks on their cell phone in a public restroom

MaggieXi · #9 05-06-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by victoriana

It's awkward when someone talks on their cell phone in a public restroom

So awkward! Just flush a lot of times in a row and announce "sorry" loudly while they are chatting away.

preciousjeni · #10 05-06-2011, 01:23 PM

I've only used a cleaning service twice in my life. Both times, I let the people in, explained my special requests, asked if they needed me for anything, thanked them, and took off.

Whenever any other service (cable, maintenance, etc.) comes in, I play hostess and asked if I can get them anything. If not, I kinda walk around and make myself available every so often in case they need me, which they always do.

Awkward...hmmm. I think the only thing that really makes me feel awkward is dealing with adults who have some sort of mental illness/disability that makes them act out. The worst for me is adults who shriek and yell in enclosed spaces. I end up getting startled, leaving me with a look of terror, and then I get self-conscious.

KSUViolet06 · #11 05-06-2011, 01:44 PM

People arguing in my presence.

I never know what to do.

33girl · #12 05-06-2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

People arguing in my presence.

I never know what to do.

That's the only one I can even think of - especially if it's a couple who up until then have never shown any hint of discord in front of you.

psusue · #13 05-06-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

People arguing in my presence.

I never know what to do.

I completely agree. This happened to me last night with two friends of mine and it was mad awkward. Like "mommy and daddy are yelling and I don't know what to do". I told them that later though and they laughed. We're good friends, so it's not too bad if they have a tiff, but if it's an acquaintance or someone you just met it's excruciating. I also hate hate HATE it when people yell. Ever, for any reason. It makes me so anxious/upset.

Also awkward, when you're babysitting and the family gets back and you have to say goodbye. It's awkward because you don't want to just go "PEACE" but at the same time, once the parents are there, there is no reason to stay, but I don't want to seem overeager to leave. That feels rude. Also it's awkward because you've kind of been the parent/caretaker for several hours and now the real parent is back, so your role has been usurped too.

Even awkwarder-- when you're waiting around for them to pay you. You know that's why you're there, but honestly that's not why I do it (I do it because I love the kids) and it's just icky feeling. Also I hate it if they get the total wrong because I hate asking for more money, as I feel I get paid well already. Bleh.

lovespink88 · #14 05-06-2011, 01:50 PM

I hate when you see and acquaintance that you kind of know, but you don't know whether to say hi or not. It's even worse when you're using public transportation with them for an extended period of time. And it's even WORSE when you're Facebook friends for whatever reason.

DSTRen13 · #15 05-06-2011, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovespink88

I hate when you see and acquaintance that you kind of know, but you don't know whether to say hi or not. It's even worse when you're using public transportation with them for an extended period of time. And it's even WORSE when you're Facebook friends for whatever reason.

Yes! I hate when I see someone that I know, but not well, and I'm not really sure if they would know who I am if I *did* say hello. It's a weird situation all around. I don't really do the public transportation thing, but this seems to occur to me in grocery stores for whatever reason.