Experiencing the Feeling of Embarrassed
The feeling you get when something or someone makes you feel awkward, silly, or uncomfortable in front of others.
Do I blush, sweat, or freeze when I feel exposed or judged?
What types of situations make me want to “sink into the floor”?
Is my fear of embarrassment preventing me from trying something new?
How do I usually recover after feeling embarrassed?
The episode dives into what embarrassment really feels like, emphasizing that it’s more than just a fleeting awkward moment—it's a full-body experience. The hosts describe sensations like hot cheeks, a fluttering stomach, and the impulse to freeze or run. This response is the body’s way of signaling social threat—our nervous system reacting as if our identity or safety is being questioned. What's interesting is how physical it is, even when the cause is something small, like forgetting what to say or hitting “send” too fast.
What makes embarrassment so impactful is that it often feels tied to our sense of self. In the episode, the hosts share moments where they felt suddenly exposed—whether by an honest mistake, like posting too early in a Slack group, or through a personal story of walking around unknowingly with a wardrobe malfunction. These moments are relatable because they remind us how vulnerable it feels to be seen in a way we didn’t intend. And yet, in most cases, others aren't judging us nearly as harshly as we judge ourselves.
The episode also touches on a deeper, more painful form of embarrassment—when it’s caused by someone else on purpose. In a workplace or group setting, being singled out can feel like a loss of power. It’s one thing to laugh off a stumble, but another to recover from intentional humiliation. The discussion highlights that reclaiming your power after embarrassment takes self-awareness and confidence—and sometimes, speaking up. It also underscores how important it is to create safe spaces where people don’t have to fear being embarrassed just for showing up as themselves.
One of the most valuable takeaways is the idea that embarrassment can be a signal of growth. Michelle shares a powerful story about preparing to sing live onstage for the first time. The fear of public embarrassment created anxiety, physical discomfort, and serious self-doubt. But once she got through it, the experience transformed into something joyful and freeing. This highlights an important truth: on the other side of embarrassment, there’s often pride. By pushing through, we may discover that the things we fear most are also the moments that help us expand and build courage.
Mindful Mindset
Embarrassment is part of the emotional landscape of being human. Rather than avoiding it, we can learn to notice it, name it, and respond with curiosity and compassion. It helps to remember that embarrassment often signals you care—about how you show up, about being seen, about doing well. That’s not a weakness, It’s humanity.
Mindfulness Practice
When you feel that flush of discomfort, try grounding yourself with a breath or a light touch to your hand or heart. Name what you're feeling. Ask: What story am I telling myself about this moment? Most of the time, the story is far harsher than reality. The more we normalize these experiences—talking about them, laughing at them, and learning from them—the less power they have over us.
By Princess Nicole Salas,
Princess Nicole Salas is a FeelWise Assistant with a passion for emotional intelligence, empathy, always exploring what it means to understand people more deeply. She loves watching movies and reading books. She believes even the quietest role can create meaningful impact and routed and care and intention.
You can listen to and follow Feelings Matter on:
