Send
16 The Teen Survival Guide to Dating and Relating
I always make a fool of myself.
Hey Terra,No one knows this, but I’m really afraid of getting into situations that will embarrass me.
It happens all the time, no matter how careful I am. It’s gotten so bad lately that I don’t even
raise my hand in class because I’m afraid of saying something stupid. I don’t want to hang out
with other people because I just know I’m going to end up saying something embarrassing.
You’re probably thinking, “Like what?” I could give you a whole long list, but it’s too embar-
rassing! I’m probably missing out on a lot of fun because of this. I need help!Embarrassed GuyDear Embarrassed Guy,
What’s your fear of embarrassment based on? What specific things have you done in the
past that embarrassed you? Write down a few of these memories and recall what happened
each time you messed up. How did other people react? After you felt embarrassed, what
happened?
No matter how many embarrassing moments we have (and believe me, we all have
them), we survive and life goes on. Even though people say, “I could have died of embar-
rassment,” no one really dies from this feeling. Each time the fear of embarrassment stops
you from doing something, repeat to yourself, “No one ever died of embarrassment, and
neither will I.”
If this doesn’t help, talk to a school counselor or another trusted adult about your prob-
lem. It’s important not to let fear stop you from socializing and having fun. And remember, one
of the biggest mistakes a person can make is to always be afraid of making one! Good luck!In friendship,
Terra