That Awkward Moment is an American romcom that basically wastes the talents of the actors in it. This phrase is much better known for the many memes that emerge from it. And like all memes, that awkward moment when memes speak some of the truths of our times and are relatable AF.
Not knowing the words of the school prayer can be awkward. Or that Michael Jackson song you love and want to sing along with but cannot because all the lyrics are completely unintelligible. So you mumble what you think the lyrics could be and hope no one is watching.
Sometimes the opposite is true – the song lyrics readily come to mind – when they should absolutely not be coming to mind.
The person in the stall is red-faced with awkward embarrassment. The person opening the door is awkwardly apologetic. Everyone around really wants to laugh but they are feeling way to awkward to do that.
They say something you say ‘what?’ They repeat it and you go ‘say that again’. Finally, you just pretend that you understand and hope that the embarrassed laugh you emitted is the appropriate response.
It happened in school under the teacher's gimlet eye, in front of the boss in the office, maybe even as a parent trying to deliver a morality lecture and the laugh escapes because of the adorable expression on the child’s face.
When accosted by some ancient relative who expects recognition, one furiously scans one's memory and comes up with zilch. Meanwhile that ancient relic is droning on about other people and events you haven’t the foggiest clue about.
You finally come face to face with the guy or girl you have admired for ages, the celebrity you worshipped from afar. And now, you're tongue-tied and sweating bullets; your social skills having deserted you completely. Awkward!
You smile. Then the smile fades a bit. Now you don’t know what to do. The guy with the camera seems to be taking all day!
There are times when it is no longer that awkward moment. Luckily for us, there are many moments in life when one feels superior and validated and frankly relieved… as George W Bush undoubtedly must do since November 2016.
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