Embarrassment

EMBARRASSMENT

I accept moments of embarrassment as opportunities for self-awareness and growth

WHAT IS EMBARRASSMENT?

A self-conscious emotion characterized by feelings of awkwardness, shame, or discomfort in response to a socially awkward situation.

Synonyms: Fluster, Abashment .

Antonym: Pride

LEARN ALL ABOUT EMBARRASSMENT

WHY EMBARRASSMENT
MATTERS?

MUSIC ON THE THEME OF EMBARRASSMENT

HOW TO RECOGNIZE
EMBARRASSMENT

TIPS TO DEAL WITH
EMBARRASSMENT

CURIOUS FACTS
ABOUT EMBARRASSMENT

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH
EMBARRASSMENT

LEARN ALL ABOUT EMBARRASSMENT

WHY EMBARRASSMENT
MATTERS?

MUSIC ON THE THEME OF EMBARRASSMENT

HOW TO RECOGNIZE
EMBARRASSMENT

TIPS TO DEAL WITH
EMBARRASSMENT

CURIOUS FACTS
ABOUT EMBARRASSMENT

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH
EMBARRASSMENT

“When you embrace embarrassment instead of
fearing it, it loses its power over you.”
Seth Godin

HOW TO RECOGNIZE EMBARRASSMENT IN OTHERS
AND ONESELF

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN OTHERS

Body Language

Fidgeting, shifting weight, covering
face or neck

Facial Expressions

Blushing, forced or awkward smile,
avoiding eye contact

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN ONESELF

In the Body

Warmth or heat in the face and neck,
increased heart rate

In the Mind

Self-conscious thoughts, urge to escape
or hide

HOW TO RECOGNIZE EMBARRASSMENT IN OTHERS
AND ONESELF

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN OTHERS

HOW TO RECOGNIZE 
IN ONESELF

Body Language

Fidgeting, shifting weight, covering
face or neck

In the Body

Warmth or heat in the face and neck,
increased heart rate

Facial Expressions

Blushing, forced or awkward smile,
avoiding eye contact

In the Mind

Self-conscious thoughts, urge to escape
or hide

How do I typically respond to embarrassment,
and how does that affect my confidence?

TIPS AND TRICKS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS
EMOTION

Practice Child’s Pose (Balasana) while repeating affirmations like \"I accept myself as I am.\" Focus on grounding and releasing tension.
Stand in front of a mirror and say, \"It’s okay to make mistakes; I’m learning and growing,\" to reduce embarrassment.
Perform a body scan, identifying areas of tension related to embarrassment, and breathe deeply to release those feelings.
Write about a recent embarrassing moment and identify lessons or humorous perspectives to lighten its impact.
Watch a funny video or practice intentional laughter to shift focus and let go of self-consciousness.
Imagine a safe space where you’re embraced and supported, visualizing understanding and kindness from others.

CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT EMBARRASSMENT

Can a tortoise actually feel shy?

What makes a tortoise shell more than just armor?

Why does embarrassment make you want to disappear?

Is blushing just a weird side effect—or does it serve a purpose?

ANIMALS ASSOCIATED WITH EMBARRASSMENT

Different animals are associated with different emotions in different cultures. Flip the coins to found out more:

What does my embarrassment teach me about my
self-image and desire for acceptance?

RETURN TO THE EMOTION EXPLORER GUIDE TO DISCOVER
A WHOLE WORLD OF EMOTIONS

Embarrassment strengthens social awareness, humility, and accountability. It signals a social misstep, helping individuals adjust behavior. When handled with self-compassion, it fosters resilience, humor, and deeper connections through shared human vulnerability.

While tortoises don’t experience embarrassment the way humans do, they often freeze or hide when watched, showing sensitivity to being observed. And, just like humans cover their face when embarrassed, tortoises withdraw into their shells when they feel exposed—nature’s version of “I can’t look!”

A tortoise’s shell is part of its skeleton—it includes its spine and ribs—so pulling in is like curling your whole body inward, a very relatable reaction to embarrassment.

Embarrassment activates the brain’s anterior insula and medial prefrontal cortex, which are linked to social pain and self-conscious awareness.

Blushing may seem strange, but it signals honesty and remorse to others—helping repair social bonds after an awkward moment. And, studies show that people who show embarrassment are often seen as more trustworthy and relatable, which strengthens social relationships.

Tortoise

Native American and various Asian mythologies

The tortoise, with its ability to withdraw into its shell, symbolizes embarrassment and the desire to hide in many myths. In both Native American and Asian stories, tortoises are portrayed as creatures that retreat when they feel threatened or ashamed.

Ostrich

African and Middle Eastern mythology

The ostrich, known for its supposed habit of burying its head in the sand, symbolizes embarrassment in African and Middle Eastern traditions, representing avoidance and the desire to escape shame.

Octopus

Greek and Pacific Island mythology

The octopus, with its ability to latch onto surfaces and entangle prey, represents deep emotional and physical attachment. In Greek and Pacific Island myths, it symbolizes both devotion and an overwhelming grip that can be difficult to escape.

Mole

European and Native American mythology

The mole, living underground and avoiding exposure, symbolizes embarrassment in European and Native American folklore, representing a tendency to shrink away from uncomfortable situations.