I’ve always been an awkward individual—and aging has only made it more obvious.
Back in high school, I had a keychain that said, “I smile because I have no idea what’s going on.” My friends all agreed it was perfect.
Decades later… not much has changed.
If anything, I’ve just gotten more confident in my awkwardness.
Some days I still feel like I’m just one step away from someone jumping out and yelling,
“Smile, you’re on Candid Camera!”
(Does anyone even remember that show?)
Why Am I Like This?
For me, social awkwardness comes down to two main things:
- A complete lack of awareness in public spaces
- A deep, lifelong dislike of small talk
Ironically, those two traits make me a magnet for it.
And not easy small talk, either—
weirdly personal, oddly intimate small talk.
People tell me things.
Deep things.
Unprompted things.
“I just met you in the candle aisle” things.
Strangers open up about their relationships.
Cashiers linger.
Random shoppers ask for my opinion on home décor.
Why me?
I still have no idea.
But This Week Felt Especially On-Brand
Two interactions—back to back—reminded me that awkward people tend to attract the most unexpected moments.
Day One: The Lost Child
I was wandering through a store, circling a sturdy craft table for my daughter, when a quiet “Excuse me” stopped me.
A young girl stood there, tears filling her eyes.
“Have you seen a lady in a red T-shirt with dark hair in a bun?”
When I said no, she nodded bravely and whispered that she’d lost her mom.
We walked the aisles together until she spotted her.
The relief hit all at once—she ran back, tears and all.
It wasn’t awkward.
It was touching.
Later, I told my daughter how proud I was of that girl:
for remembering details,
for asking for help,
for handling something scary with so much courage.
Why me?
I don’t know.
But I’m really glad she chose me.
Day Two: The Checkout Compliment
The next day, my daughter and I were shopping for craft supplies when the cashier started chatting about our cat-themed beads.
Mid-conversation, she suddenly said:
“And you’re pretty.”
That was it.
No lead-up. No follow-up. Just… fact.
I blinked.
Paused.
Briefly wondered if she had me confused with someone standing behind me.
Then I awkwardly laughed.
I even asked her to repeat it—fully convinced I had misheard.
But no.
She doubled down.
“You’re pretty.”
After a flustered thank-you, I mumbled something like,
“You’re pretty too!”
and made a quick, slightly panicked escape with my receipt.
Maybe We Should Do That More Often
Here’s the thing:
I compliment people’s hair or earrings all the time.
But I don’t think I’ve ever looked a stranger in the eye and said something that direct.
It felt awkward.
And also… kind of wonderful in a way I wasn’t expecting.
Will I suddenly become that confident woman who wears dresses to the grocery store and boldly compliments strangers?
Probably not.
But maybe it’s something to aspire to.
Maybe Awkward People Attract Weird Magic
Do these things happen to anyone else?
Is awkwardness some kind of beacon for unexpected human connection?
Like how dogs are always drawn to the one person in the room who’s not a dog person?
I don’t know.
But I’m starting to appreciate it.
Maybe awkward isn’t something to fix.
Maybe it’s just how some of us move through the world—
and somehow, connect because of it.
If You’ve Ever Felt Like This Too…
If you’ve had your own strange, sweet, awkward little moments—you’re not alone.
And honestly? Some of those moments turn into the ones we remember most.
If you’re navigating the messy, real-life side of parenting (awkward moments included), you might also relate to:
Why Everything Becomes a Battle with an ADHD Child
Why Modern Playdates Feel So Awkward (From a 45-Year-Old Gen X Mom)
Traveling with a Neurodivergent Child: Is It Even Worth It?
💛 Want more real-life, honest mom moments?
I share stories that are equal parts awkward, funny, and very real—because parenting isn’t polished, and neither are we.
You can join my email list here to stay connected.
Mindful Momma Moments 
Leave a comment