Everyone does embarrassing things. Most people refuse to admit it, but it’s a fact. It seems so many times you embarrass yourself and then quickly try to cover up your mistake. You look around to make sure no one saw you. Even when you’re pretty sure no one noticed, the overwhelming feeling of embarrassment takes over.

It’s nice to know you’re not alone when it comes to doing ridiculous things intentionally. It’s almost comforting to see other people running into poles, falling in the mud, or tripping over nothing.

One of my most embarrassing moments happened only a few weeks ago. I was going to the movies with a group of my friends. We were seeing the sequel to my all-time favorite movie, so I was ecstatic. We purchased our tickets and made our way to the auditorium. As auditorium number eight came into view, my excitement increased. We entered the door and I took off running down the hallway to the right. My eyes had not yet adjusted to the darkness and the hallway looked far longer than it was. With my friends observing, I ran fast and straight into the wall. All I could say in response to my friends laughing hysterically was, “I didn’t know there was a wall there.”

Some people see embarrassing things they do as a time of regret. They never want the incidents to be brought up. If they are brought up, he or she covers their blushing cheeks. Obviously, there is an embarrassing factor about embarrassing moments, which is anticipated.

To this day, I am still constantly reminded of my attempt to get into the auditorium. When I’m with that group of friends they laugh and exclaim, “Look I’m Kristin” as the barrel into the nearest wall. At first, I felt like an idiot. Then I realized that they do just as much embarrassing things as I do. Making fun of me is merely their way of recognizing they aren’t the only ones who do awkward things, and I’m okay with that now.

It takes people a while to get over the facts that those things do happen. In most case scenarios, people will be laughing with you, rather than at you. Becoming embarrassed actually breaks down the awkwardness because you become relatable to others.

Think about how you feel when you witness someone else creating embarrassment for themselves. You know how they feel, so it’s not likely you’ll think they’re stupid. People probably see your situations from the same viewpoint.

As soon as laughing with them comes naturally, the less you care about doing embarrassing things. Your self-confidence level rises. So stop worrying about the potential to be embarrassed and laugh a little.