AFTER FIRST BLUSH

EMBARRASSED AND READY TO MOVE ON? START HERE. ( Trace your way to beliefs that will
boost your spirit, plus TIPS TO TRY.
)
Was it hurtful for I said/did Why do you feel Something Well, what
anyone? something. embarrassed? happened. happened?

That shows empathy.

Be sensitive of their
feelings, but don’t let it
Yes. No. overshadow the good Something Something
that’s come to you. good. bad.
TIPS TO TRY: STEP PAST IT,
TAKE OWNERSHIP

Accidents happen,
but you feel bad for a
Did someone
reason. Let them know It’s bad Then why are you
Was it funny? else embarrass
and give a proper for someone embarrassed? you?
apology. else.
TIPS TO TRY: SAY SORRY
RIGHT, TAKE OWNERSHIP

Outside reassurance
is more convincing
than the voice in your
I guess It’s not
head. Tell a friend what
you could say Not at all. how I want to No.
happened.
it’s funny. be seen.
TIPS TO TRY: TALK IT OUT,
EMBRACE HUMANITY

You cracked a smile Attention can be

there, didn’t you? Get awkward. But it’s over Yes! I’m
some mileage out of Did they say Yes. now — let life go on.
sorry? mortified.
it! Save the story for a Channel royalty and dig
future icebreaker. deep for your dignity.
TIPS TO TRY: KILL THE BUZZ, TIPS TO TRY: STEP PAST IT,
LAUGH AT YOURSELF EMBRACE HUMANITY

Do they realize
I don’t think Was it
Yes. Nope. they embarrassed
so . . . intentional?
you?

If they can hear you,

Channel your inner How rude. Are you
say something. If not,
saint. Forgive. It’s hard, sure they realize how
take a deep breath,
but you can do it. you feel? Check for Hmm,
shake it off, and leave Totally.
Avoid dwelling on it so miscommunications in maybe not.
it to karma.
you can move on. both directions.
TIPS TO TRY: EMBRACE TIPS TO TRY: TAKE OWNERSHIP, TIPS TO TRY: STEP PAST IT,
HUMANITY MINIMIZE CONFLICT MINIMIZE CONFLICT

( TIPS TO TRY appear on the next page.

) 1
AFTER FIRST BLUSH
8 TIPS TO TRY WHEN EMBARRASSMENT STRIKES

KILL THE BUZZ

When you tell the story and make it
your own, you regain control, turning
that floundering feeling into a mere
memory.

TALK IT OUT
Embarrassment shared is halved when
you talk to someone you trust.

STEP PAST IT SAY SORRY RIGHT

People don’t care as much as we imagine they do, and they A good apology doesn’t have to
have short memories. Whether it’s a case of laughter or be repeated. Don’t compound the
tears, rest assured that their attention — and yours — will embarrassment by overdoing it or
soon be directed elsewhere. redoing it.

MINIMIZE CONFLICT TAKE OWNERSHIP

When you feel betrayed, upset, or confrontational, staying Accepting consequences and being
calm is a secret weapon. Keep your cool, consider the big accountable is the surest path toward
picture, and communicate. Don’t dwell on disappointment gaining forgiveness, respect, and
— there are better things ahead. resolution.

LAUGH AT YOURSELF EMBRACE HUMANITY

A sense of humor can be a saving grace. In the words of Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone
Czech statesman Vaclav Havel, “Anyone who takes himself freaks out. And some of us blush. It’s
too seriously always runs the risk of looking ridiculous; our nature.
anyone who can consistently laugh at himself does not.” And it’s going to be okay.