Awkward social interactions are basically a universal language – everyone’s fluent, but no one really wants to admit it. Whether it’s waving back at someone who wasn’t waving at you, mistaking small talk for flirting, or laughing at the wrong moment, these little slip-ups are just part of the human experience.
The good news? They usually make for great stories once the embarrassment wears off. And lucky for us, plenty of people have shared their most unforgettable moments of social confusion – so grab a seat, because secondhand cringe is on the menu today.
More info: Instagram
#1
Not me but a coworker. I work at Chick-Fil-A and I was working with a new guy who was being trained with my friend. The new guy kept on trying to make sure he said “my pleasure” and “they’ll have your food at the window” but once he messed up and said “they’ll pleasure you at the window” I couldn’t stop laughing the whole shift
Image source: coen_7.5, Zoshua Colah
#2
Walked into a room of people praying silently, didn’t realize they were praying so I shouted “geez why is it so depressing in here?”
Image source: its.atalex, freepik
#3
Was writing for an exam and when the exam was over, a teacher came to me and put his hand forward and nonchalant me, gave my hand back as if it was a marriage proposal, not realising he was there collecting pens they provided us…..I failed the exam, and failed in life as well🙂🥹🥲
Image source: d_ga.ma07, tonodiaz
#4
shook the waiter’s hand when he was gesturing for me to hand him the menu. never recovered
Image source: angm615, freepik
#5
Was in an elevator with a woman in a wheelchair. Me being me, decided small talk was a good idea. First line I opened with was “great day to go for a jog really”.
Image source: adrenolean, freepik
#6
the cashier told me to “have a good day” but i had my headphones on and thought she said “do you need a receipt” so i said “no thankyou”
and she just said “oh ok”
Image source: shaylamitchell, Getty Images
#7
Worked at a gas station, guy comes in and says “I’m at pump 8, can I get some gas?” And I say “would you like that in a cup or a cone?” Idk what I was on
Image source: art.emm.is, EyeEm
#8
I was at prom and I saw my senior friend and her bf sitting on a bench outside. So I walk over and I say “well if it isn’t my favorite couple” little did I realize her bf had literal tears streaming down his face. They were breaking up. 😶
Image source: spamiia2, bristekjegor
#9
I had worked front desk at a police department after previously working at a subway and when someone called, I answered the phone and said “hello, thank you for calling subway, how can I help you?”😭✋🏾 might as well clock out
Image source: livelaughlexus, dotshock
#10
As a bartender I once said “Its no good, all worries” to a customer. I still think about it.
Image source: residentoak, wavebreakmedia_micro
#11
When my mom first arrived in America, she knew no English and was learning by listening to others talk so she was still real new at it. She was taken to McDonald’s to get food and wanted to try practicing her English so instead of saying “thank you” to the woman serving her, she smiled confidently and told her “I’m beautiful”. She said the woman looked really confused and just gave her food to her
Image source: treasuretomermaids, Kenneth Surillo
#12
I was buying a slushie that was 3.28 dollars and I gave him 3. He said “you need 28 more cents” but I thought he said you have an extra 28 cents so I said “oh no that’s okay” and he was like “you still have to pay…”
Image source: 402.roseee, EyeEm
#13
I was in a store with my husband and i was looking for a perfume. I accidentally hurt a woman with my purse, said sorry to her and told her “sorry i didn’t see you”. She replied “Don’t mind.Me too.” She was blind 😭
Image source: thecaruccifamily, freepik
#14
I was cleaning the lobby at work and saw this guy on the floor with a bunch of napkins and so I went over to him and asked him”did something spill? I can clean it up”. Well he didn’t answer…..he was praying 🥲
Image source: mimi_Irami, Michael Burrows
#15
worked at mcdonald’s and looked a customer in the eye and went “happy birthday” instead of hello.
Image source: fleur.oof, fajri nugroho
#16
I was walking down the street when a lady asked me, “do you have the time?” to which I responded “no, I’m sorry I’m late to my sister’s game” and she just looked at me all confused still just wanting to know what time it was 😭
Image source: lindseysparks, freepik
#17
Last night my neighbor was walking by my house and instead of waving hello I started clapping…as I said hi.
Image source: sophia_raskoff_1234, freepik
#18
Said I love you to a stranger while trick or treating
Image source: shad_ycat, rawpixel.com
#19
I worked at a Dairy Queen, I asked someone if they wanted whipped cream with their receipt
Image source: detko.jenna, Mike Mozart
#20
Gave a guy a high five when he was trying to hold my hand…then later he tried to kiss me and I thought he was going in for a hug 😭
Image source: xela_256, frimufilms
#21
when i was little a lady handed a tray of forks and instead of grabbing one i tried grabbing the whole thing to pass around to the table
Image source: chaimangomoon, topntp26
#22
I…asked my sister if the toilet would work since the power was out…at 14…
Image source: ghostgirl49137, Magic by Jelena
#23
I once was walking on campus and saw a girl I hadn’t seen in weeks I said “Fancy you seeing here”. I never spoke to her again
Image source: z_munshi, bristekjegor
#24
My friend’s mom was handing me food I thought to take home and I said no thank you I’m full. She said no I meant hold it
Image source: xoxo_bo0o0, freepik
#25
Went to drive thru. Ordered. Paid. Drove away. Didn’t realize I didn’t pick up the order until I got home.
Image source: lettucealone
#26
I’m a waitress … typically as soon as the table sets i bring chips & salsa along with a hot soup !! There was a toddler about 2 years old sitting the edge with her high chair ! Soooo as I was placing down the things I covered the soups and said “ohh be careful I don’t want her accidentally putting her hand in “ they all look at each other & as I look for the baby’s hands 😭😭😭😭 she had no arms 😭😭😭😭
Image source: xo.j.m, Drazen Zigic
#27
I was at sonic with my now fiancée when we had been dating for like 3 days and the worker said “hi I’m Shayla, how are you?” And I thought she said “who are you?” So I said “I’m Seth” and my fiancée still cries laughing when she thinks about it
Image source: seth_lingafelter30, cottonbro studio
#28
Was checking in for the 2nd time at a hotel i had stayed in earlier. When the receptionist asked me my first name, I heard is this your first time and I said yes I have been here before. Instead of giving out my name🤦♀️
Image source: tanushree_de86, DC Studio
#29
When I was in a coffee shop with a group of friends and I guy I liked was there and I was reading the menu. He asked if I lived here (referring to the area) and I said “no, but I can read” because I thought he meant if I lived in the coffee shop 🤦🏼♀️
Image source: abigailobranovich, freepik
#30
Almost hit a woman walking her child with my bike cuz I was doing my Duolingo while riding. I was thinking about Spanish so I just said “espanol” as I rode away 😭🙏
Image source: tinydan69, wayhomestudio
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