15 Phrases People With Awkward Social Skills Often Use in Everyday Conversation
15 Phrases People With Awkward Social Skills Often Use in Everyday Conversation Alternative Title Suggestion: 15 Telltale Phrases That Reveal Social Awkwardness—and How to Navigate Them with Confidence Navigating conversations can feel like walking a tightrope for those with awkward social skills. A misplaced word or an overused phrase can turn a friendly chat into a moment of discomfort. Social awkwardness, often tied to anxiety or difficulty reading social cues, affects about 12% of adults, according to a 2024 psychology study. 1 While it’s not a flaw—it’s part of being human—certain phrases can signal unease, making interactions feel stilted or forced. Recognizing these phrases isn’t about judgment; it’s about understanding and growth. From filler words to overly apologetic tones, people with social awkwardness often lean on specific phrases to cope with conversational uncertainty. Drawing from psychological research, communication experts, and real-world insights shar...