Why do I feel awkward in social situations even when people are nice to me?
Anxiety & Stress
Social awkwardness often stems from overthinking, past negative experiences, or feeling like you don't belong, even when others are welcoming.
Feeling awkward in social situations despite others being nice often comes from internal factors rather than external ones. You might be anxiety/overthinking-before-bed" class="internal-link">excessive thinking your interactions, worrying about saying the wrong thing, or feeling like you don't belong even when others are welcoming. Past negative social experiences can also make you hypervigilant about potential rejection. Practice self-compassion, focus on being genuinely interested in others rather than worrying about your performance, and remember that most people are more focused on themselves than on judging you.