Embarrassment

Hi there. Have you ever felt your cheeks get hot and red, like a tomato? Or maybe your stomach does a funny little flip-flop? That’s me! I am the feeling of embarrassment. I’m the feeling that shows up when you trip over your own feet in the hallway or call your teacher 'Mom' by accident. It feels awkward, and you might wish you could become invisible for a moment. But I promise I’m not here to be mean. I am a feeling that everyone experiences as they learn and grow.

I visit everyone, and you never know when I might stop by. I visited a boy named Leo on the 2nd day of school. He was giving a class presentation when he suddenly forgot his lines. He just stood there as everyone stared, and his face turned bright red. I also popped in when a girl named Maya accidentally spilled her juice on her friend’s new white shirt during lunch on the 15th of October. She wanted to disappear! I show up in those moments when you think you've made a mistake and feel like everyone is watching you. It’s a spotlight feeling, and it can be really uncomfortable.

When I arrive, you might want to hide, and that’s okay. It’s a natural reaction to want to get away from that uncomfortable spotlight. But there are other things you can do! You can take a deep breath to calm your body down and help that fluttery feeling in your stomach settle. Sometimes, the best thing to do is just laugh and say, 'Oops!' It shows others that it wasn't a big deal and that you know everyone makes mistakes. Remembering that I'm a temporary visitor helps, too. I never stick around for long, and soon everyone, including you, will forget what even happened.

It might seem strange, but I'm actually here to help. You can think of me as your brain's little alarm that helps you learn the rules of being with other people. Feeling me means you care about what others think and how your actions affect them, which is a big part of being a good friend. I continue to help people today by teaching them to be more careful, thoughtful, and even kinder to others when they see me show up for them. So, the next time I visit, know that I'm just a part of growing and learning.