When You're Socially Awkward

EDITOR'S NOTE: He Said-She Said is a biweekly advice column for singles featuring a question from a Crosswalk.com reader with responses from a male and female point of view. If you've got a question about anything related to singleness or living the single life, please submit it to hesaid-shesaid@crosswalk.com  (selected questions will be posted anonymously).

QUESTION: I am a single male in my 20's, and I seem to have a problem when it comes to relationships. I struggle with relationships and interaction with people in general. Social situations aren't exactly my strong suit. Usually I try to stay silent out of fear of saying something really stupid. I just feel out of place whenever I am in social settings and parties. I often find myself putting up a mask in public just to avoid social settings. I honestly get sick of failing to fit in and feeling like an absolute failure at social functions. How can someone be better socially?

HE SAID:

Your dilemma is anything but exclusive.  I would guess almost everyone, if they were totally honest with themselves, has gone through or are going through a period in their life where they feel out of place, “uncool,” awkward, insecure, inept, or uncomfortable in social settings.  That’s why you often see people “clinging” to their small group of friends at functions and not “mingling.”

If you don’t believe me, take a look at the theme of many of the summer “teen” movies and television sitcoms over the past thirty years and ask yourself, “Why do movie and television studios continue to produce shows which address this topic?”

Awkward boy (often labeled the “nerd” or “geek”) hangs out with “like” companions, wants to be in the “popular” group, finally gets the nerve to go up to “cool girl” only to be embarrassed by her friends and popular guys, but in the end the she sees something in him she likes.

One of the highest rated shows on television today is The Big Bang Theory, which is about a group of extremely intelligent, but socially clumsy, nerds living next to an attractive young actress, who is liked by one of the guys.  This subject matter resonates with the viewing audiences because deep down many of us oftentimes feel like a “geek.”

A number of times I have come across someone who I really wanted to ask out, but didn’t have the nerves, only to think about what “could have been” for weeks following.  On the other hand, there have also been several “shining moments” when I stepped away from my insecurities, approached an “out-of-my-league” stranger, and…...got “shot down.”

During the “debriefing” of my “failure” (and to lick my wounds), I discovered it was anything but that.  

Her thoughts could have been, “Why would he even think I would consider going out with him?!”  In which case, she probably wasn’t someone I would have wanted to be in a relationship with.

She could have thought, “That’s strange for him to ask.  Not interested (or already taken), but flattered nonetheless.”  No harm done.

She could think, “Hmm, never considered him before, but wow, he noticed me.  Maybe I’ll have to put him on my radar.”  

Whatever the result, the only way to become better socially is through practice.  There’s no pill to take, no book to read, no workout to do (although the better you feel about yourself the more confidence you will have), it’s just a matter of putting yourself out there.

I would suggest practicing with those you come in contact with.  Talk to the sales clerk (by name), converse with the waitress while she is taking your order and use every opportunity to hone your skills.  I’m not suggesting you “hit-on” everyone you meet, but rather smile, interact, talk and laugh with those around you so you feel comfortable doing so with anyone and everyone (male and female).

At some point it will become more natural and you will feel more confident in your social skills.

SHE SAID:

Let me first say thank you for having the courage to write us. As I read through your question a few times, I think there might be a couple of things going on here. I know most people want to get married one day. And if you have a problem in general talking to people in groups, then finding a mate will be extra hard. First, please know that God made you who you are and it's ok to be an introvert. It's ok to not be the social butterfly, the life of the party, the one everyone flocks to. Praise the Lord for those who watch, listen and observe. They help to balance out the nuts like myself. Years ago I used to pray God would take away my extroverted personality. To make me meek and quiet. Well, after God stopped laughing he said, "Kris, I made you the way you are...but the key is to use it to glorify me." So my first thought for you is to accept that you are quiet and less social and to pray for God to use that for the places He wants. Second, even though I am an extrovert, I am not a big crowd person either. I really prefer small groups where you can talk, listen and really get to know people. So here is what I would do:

1. If you do have to go to a large group social...try and either bring someone with you that you know you can talk to, or make sure someone you know will be there. This is your safety, someone with whom you know you can be yourself. Make sure you pray about the event prior so that God goes out before you and prepares a way. Also know God is with you. Trust in Him to give you the peace you need in these situations. Trust in Him to give you the ability to speak up when it's time and with confidence in the Lord's Spirit versus your own strength. Focus on a table to sit at where there are only a couple of folks. If you don't want to say anything, at least give eye contact and nod to show you are listening. (I have the opposite problem, I have to pray for the Lord to help me shut up!) Remember too to breathe through your nose and outside your mouth to ease your anxiety. Just keep praying the whole time and I promise God will help you. 

2. If you don't have to go to the large socials, then don't. Pray for God to open doors to small socials of 4 or less. If there aren't any, come up with your own. Start with 2 other folks that are like you and go to dinner or a movie. You have two options at this point. You can use these smaller socials as a practicing tool to get you better at talking, listening, eye contact, body movement, interest, responding, etc. OR this could be the best way for you to have a social life, trusting God to bring the right small group of folks together. And this includes bringing a mate to you one day too. It's ok to have a social life made up of 4 people or less. Even Jesus had 3 best buds: Peter, James and John. The solution to being single isn't more big groups of friends but small groups where you can really get closer and care better. Smaller groups where you can learn how to be a friend better, a friend that can lead to a romantic relationship.

Now to deal with the other comment about fitting in. Dont' allow the enemy to make you feel like you have to fit in. God made us with all types of personalities. It's not about fitting in, it's about celebrating your own unique way God made you. Sure, there are some standard behaviors we all should exhibit, like eating with a utensil, using a restroom inside, and walking on two legs. But seriously, what makes you you is you. Why try to be like someone else? You might not have a big group of folks wanting to be like you. Who cares? I don't want to be like anyone anyway. I want to be like Christ. The bottom line is you have to focus on pleasing Christ, not man. Don't look at life as fitting in to the worlds way but fitting in for God's way. Every relationship you have should be about reaching them for Christ. God made you the way you are to reach others. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalms 139:13-14).

So be encouraged my friend and know, you are who you are for a reason, use that for the Lord. Blessings!

HE is … Cliff Young, a Crosswalk.com contributing writer and a veteran single of many decades. He has traveled the world in search of fresh experiences, serving opportunities, and the perfect woman (for him) and has found that his investments in God, career and youth ministry have paid off in priceless dividends.

SHE is … Kris Swiatocho, the President and Director of TheSinglesNetwork.org Ministries and FromHisHands.com Ministries. Kris has served in ministry in various capacities for the last 25 years. An accomplished trainer and mentor, Kris has a heart to reach and grow leaders so they will in turn reach and grow others. She is the author of three books: Singles and Relationships: A 31-Day Experiment (co-authored with Dick Purnell of Single Life Resources); From the Manger to the Cross: The Women in Jesus' Life; and the most recent, Jesus, Single Like Me with Study Questions (includes a leader's guide and conference/retreat of the same name).

DISCLAIMER: We are not trained psychologists or licensed professionals. We're just average folk who understand what it's like to live the solo life in the twenty-first century. We believe that the Bible is our go-to guide for answers to all of life's questions, and it's where we'll go for guidance when responding to your questions. Also, it's important to note that we write our answers separately (we think they sound eerily similar sometimes, too!). 

GOT A QUESTION? If you've got a question about anything related to singleness or living the single life, please submit it to hesaid-shesaid@crosswalk.com (selected questions will be posted anonymously). While we are unable to answer every inquiry, we do hope that this column will be an encouragement to you. Click here to visit the He Said-She Said archives.

Publication date: January 10, 2013