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Best way to get over feeling like you'll be embarrassed in public?

21 Answers
Last Updated: 04/25/2022 at 10:33pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Melissa Strauss, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I am client focused and believe everyone has a strength. I feel confident in seeing clients with generalized and social anxiety, depression and relational goals.

Top Rated Answers
fairybunny
April 16th, 2015 3:14am
Try and put yourself in someone else's shoes. If you saw a stranger in public, how much attention would you give them? Would you care as deeply about what they were doing? People don't have much interest in a stranger's day!
Becca0926
- Expert in Anxiety
July 27th, 2015 1:13pm
It's helpful to realize that in public, people aren't watching you and looking at you as much as you think they are! Even if you do something embarrassing, people forget about it. If you do feel embarrassed, act like you aren't! No one will remember.
Meowbuddy
May 2nd, 2015 4:39pm
I found the best way to stop worrying that I might be embarrassed in public was to realise that I definitely WOULD, at some point in the future, embarrass myself in public! So what's the point in fighting it? It might sound counterintuitive. But I realised, life is full of awkward moments. I can be socially clumsy – just like a lot of people. So the best thing for me to do was to see the humour in it, and try to laugh at myself. And not beat myself up if I was awkward. I can honestly say I have had countless embarrassing moments, but I can't remember any of them, because there are so many other nice moments that went well, so it all balances out. So don't fear your awkwardness! Embrace it :) In yourself and in others. Also, reading about the Illusion of Transparency helps. It's a relevation when you realise other people can't read your mind or your behaviour nearly as much as you think they can. http://youarenotsosmart.com/2010/07/14/the-illusion-of-transparency/
Anonymous
April 5th, 2015 3:59am
The way to get over fear of embarrassment in public is to get out there and go through it. after going through a situation and experience it becomes easier each time.
considerateCloud58
July 7th, 2015 1:31pm
Don't care about what people think, hold your head up high and just remember that it only matters what you think
Anonymous
April 10th, 2015 9:31am
Is to do a lot of public speaking. I have done so many speeches in college that I no longer have that fear. Also having a friend with you, if possible, helps too. Just be yourself and laugh things off. Don't let little things get to you.
Anonymous
August 31st, 2015 3:39am
The best way I have of getting over feeling embarrassed in public is to go to the place beforehand if possible to get over my fears of not knowing how to get there on the day of the event. On that day I dress in my favorite outfit so I have confidence in how I look. I also remind myself that people are generally worrying about themselves in social situations not what everybody else is doing. i try to keep the self talk positive and finally I make it a goal to enjoy myself
lovelyUnicorns31
November 24th, 2015 5:02pm
You are going to dwell on the event more than anyone else. Most of the time people don't notice the embarrassing things I do, and if they do notice, I have to remind myself that they have probably forgotten about it soon after. They have more interesting/important things to think about. I know when I witness something embarrassing, all I think is "I'm glad that wasn't me", and they're probably thinking the same.
VerseArt
December 28th, 2020 6:26pm
Make fun of yourself. Don't take anything seriously or personally. You are an amazing person whether you are alone or in public. And whenever you start feeling like you will get embarrassed in public, just take a deep breath and do what you have to do. I do not know the best way but I do know a way. I get the feeling of being embarrassed because either I'm scared of not being the best in the room I'm present in or I'm insecure about myself or I'm intimidated by someone. So, my way to get over feeling embarrassed in public to have a belief in myself.
Anonymous
March 8th, 2016 1:24am
I like to shrugged everything and think they will never see me again because they are just stranger
Anonymous
November 14th, 2016 3:56pm
Laugh it off yourself!! cause that way they won't be doing it for you, and you'll also be perceived as confident!
tomorrowneedsyou
April 25th, 2022 10:33pm
Understand that everyone has embarrassing moments and that most likely it will not be as big of a deal to others as it seems like it might be to you. With time your embarrassment will fade and in a few years, it will no longer even linger in your mind. Embarrassing moments are a part of life and are unfortunately unavoidable, and out of your control, the only thing you can control is how you chose to respond to others and yourself. Use your negative experiences as ways to learn and grow and act in a manner you would feel proud of
oliveSailboat7618
March 22nd, 2021 1:34pm
Just breathe , let it all out then talk. I use this technique and it helps me a lot. Look yourself in the mirror and talk loudly and confidently. Now say the same things outside to there people. Remember "YOUR ARE AMAZING AND NOBODY IN THIS WORLD IS LIKE YOU. YOU ARE UNIQUE!!!" Give some time to realize how wonderful you are. Think of ways in how you can conquer you fear of speaking in public. I was scared of speaking and still am but these few tips helped me a lot and I hope it helps you too. Thank you for reading this!!! YOU ROCK!!!
strangeangels
August 17th, 2020 9:40am
Keep in mind most people are busy thinking about themselves and their life to notice most small things you might find embarrassing, like a stain on your shirt or stuttering while ordering coffee. Fear of embarrassment tends to come from childhood bullying or adult figures who were obsessed over their public image, so carefully build your self confidence in public by trying things you wouldn't normally do. Go to dinner alone, wear a flashy outfit just for fun, and eventually the positive outcomes of going outside your comfort zone will outweigh the negative. I also suggest talking to a professional therapist to get to the root of your insecurity. Good luck!
Anonymous
July 16th, 2018 5:42am
Remember everyone is just a person, we are all human and we all make mistakes. Even the most important people you can think of make mistakes.
xxashleighmorganxx
June 26th, 2018 1:08am
Everyone has different ways of dealing with things,has something happened in the past that mad you feel like this?
empatheticrachel
October 3rd, 2017 5:09pm
To not overthink it. A lot of the times you think people are focusing on you are looking at you and really they are thinking of other things. So you add stress that’s unnecessary to feel as if I others opinions or stairs should matter. Be your authentic self because those who judge are worth it and those who find it funny or find it as a way to be there for you are the ones that will make you feel fine. Remember that no one will remember this in a couple days or even a day and hour who knows
scenicSunshine18
December 27th, 2016 3:45pm
You just have to remember that embarrassment is all in your mind. You have to remember that the opinions of others do not matter and that embarrassment only happens when you allow yourself to believe what other people are thinking.
Justanotherfangirl
February 9th, 2016 5:15pm
I recommend counting back from 1000 in 9's, it takes your mind off of it and you feel incredibly smart after
brirose23
January 26th, 2016 1:46am
I try to just take some deep breaths and think realistically. I remind myself that a lof of my worry is all in my head and that I not everyone is watching me. I also try to minimize my time alone in public. It helps a lot when I have a friend of family member with me. Also, if you are prescribed something, try to take a PRN or anxiety medication before going into public places that may be overly crowded.
DancingAlong
December 7th, 2015 6:09pm
Remember that very few people are actually looking at you. Think about how you act when you walk down a busy street. You glance around, take in the sights, make sure no one is in your way. You aren't actively watching for individuals to do something silly or embarrassing. Everyone else is doing the same!