We’ve all been there and wished to crawl under a rock. Spoken to your teacher like “Mom” at school? Been there. Waved at someone who wasn’t waving back at you? Yeah. Spilled coffee on your chest before a crucial meeting? Oh, for sure. Humiliation, mildly embarrassing or totally embarrassing, can be a gut punch. As therapist Tatiana Rivera Cruz of ADHDAdvisor describes it, “Embarrassment feels so terrible because it strikes at the core of our social identity and self-esteem.” That wave of warmth, the clammy hands it’s everyone.
But the thing is, those moments don’t make you. Aimee Daramus, a clinical psychologist with Clarity Clinic, Chicago, tells us, “There is not one adult on this planet who hasn’t seriously embarrassed themselves.” Let’s turn it around, then. Rather than stressing about these moments, own them as part of your imperfect self. Here are 15 things you should never feel embarrassed about, and advice to own your quirks and shine.
1. Our Bodies and Their Natural Functions
Let’s just be honest here: bodies do things. Farts, belches, sweat, menstruation these are all normal but are marked “embarrassing” by society. I once belched loudly during a casual coffee shop conversation my face was on fire. But every single human being has to endure it. It just makes it awful by stifling it. So, giggle away the random fart, sport the tampon with pride, and own your body’s quirks. It’s just being human.
2. Not Knowing Something
Ever pretended to keep up in a conversation, nodding as though you knew what was going on, then googling it afterwards? Guilty. We’re meant to know everything, but no one does. “I don’t know” is brave, not weak. I once requested that a friend expound on a bit of technical mumbo-jumbo that I’d heard for ever, and it generated this fantastic discussion. Not asking questions makes you a robot allow yourself to learn.
3. Making Mistakes
Mistakes are my old friends. I’ve sent out misspelled emails and staggered over mobs. They’re part of life, not life over. Rather than spiraling, view mistakes as teachable moments. Edison didn’t quite get the lightbulb on the first try, and you won’t nail every second. Learn, laugh, and move forward. The most successful people have a list of blunders it’s how they learn.
4. Feeling Certain Emotions
Society teaches us to “stay strong,” but feelings happiness, anger, sadness are what make us human. I would cry quietly to myself, believing that they made me weak. Letting them loose? Absolute relief. Holding in feelings can hurt your mental health. Whether you’re sobbing over a film or seething in traffic, your feelings are legitimate. Feel them, say them, and never apologize for being authentic.
5. Your Interests and Hobbies
Love binge-watching reality TV or collecting weird coins? Claim it. I used to keep my knitting a secret, but revealing it helped me find my people. Your passions are your spark, not your dirty little secret. Don’t let another person’s opinion put out your glow. Surround yourself with those who seek out about the same thing, and your quirks are your superpower.
6. Seeking Help
Reaching out for help may feel like giving up, but it’s actually an act of empowerment. I had once taken days to grapple with a work task before I sought the opinion of a co-worker spent hours. Asking for advice proves self-awareness, not weakness. No matter if it’s a private problem or a work problem, use family and friends, or professionals. One conversation could make all the difference.
7. Your Past Experiences
Your past good, bad, and cringeworthy is who you are. I winced once on my dweeby high school years, but they had taught me about grit. Don’t keep your story hidden; claim it. Learn from failures, rejoice in victories, and have your experiences be your teacher. Your path is yours, and it’s yours to claim proudly.
8. Finding Time for Self-Care
Self-care isn’t selfish its survival. Perhaps it’s a bubble bath, or a peaceful hike. Whatever it is, self-care recharges your batteries. I used to feel guilty about “me time,” but it makes me a better human being. Let someone else feel guilty for taking care of your mind and body. It’s like charging your phone you can’t run on fumes.
9. Our Look, particularly on “Bad” Days
We all have those days where our locks are a bird’s nest or a zit is the real star. Once, I walked into a meeting with spinach in my teeth shudder city. But neither of these moments defines you. You are not perfect. You can’t let fleeting flaws overwhelm your inner strength. Self-confidence shines brighter than a bad hair day.
10. Enjoying Guilty Pleasures
Binge-watching guilty TV shows or singing along to guilty pop music? No judgment here. I dance to 90s boy bands in my living room total bliss. Those are your vice, your freedom. Don’t have judgment dull your sparkle. Life’s too short to keep away from what makes you happy, so indulge.
11. Changing Your Mind
I used to think that I had to retain all my opinions for the rest of my life, but growth is achieved through evolution. It takes courage to change your mind to be willing to hear things through. Whether it’s a belief system or a life choice, do not be afraid to shake things up. It’s a sign that you’re growing and not quitting. Be free to evolve it’s what makes things exciting.
12. Being Single
Society romanticizes the “coupled up” status, but single life is a rich page. I’ve enjoyed my greatest moments of personal development as a single individual, finding hobbies and friendships. It’s not a waiting game it’s an opportunity to create a life you love. Enjoy the freedom, and know you’re complete just as you are.
13. Saying “No”
Saying no is hard, and even harder for people-pleasers like me. But it’s a superpower. I skipped an event once because I was exhausted, and I was energized, not guilty. Saying no to what sucks the life out of you leaves space for what fuels you. It’s not selfish it’s self-respect.
14. Dancing Like Nobody’s Watching
You don’t need to be a pro to dance your heart out. I’ve flailed to my favorite songs in public and gotten looks, but who cares? Dancing is joy in motion. Forget looking “silly” and move to your own beat. It’s a stress-buster and a confidence-booster all in one.
15. Singing Off-Key
I’m no Adele, and that’s okay. Car singing off-key is my therapy. It’s not perfection it’s enjoying the music. Don’t let a wrong note prevent you from howling it out. Your imperfect voice is part of your own unique voice. Sing loud, and let joy flow.
The Grand Finale: Be Unapologetically You
Shame is a universal language, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Laughing at that embarrassing moment, reminding yourself it won’t matter in a week, and being kind to yourself are all ways to handle embarrassment. As Cruz puts it, having the awareness that everyone falters makes it easier for you to forgive yourself. The next time you trip over your words or you blush, breathe, smile, and continue. You’re not just getting by during these moments you’re flourishing, flaws and all.
