Self-conscious embarrassment
Embarrassed
Strength 2 of 4
A hot rush of wanting the moment to pass after a slip, mistake or reveal that others noticed, with your attention fixed on how you looked.
In the body
- Heat rising in the cheeks
- Eyes darting away
- A nervous laugh
- An urge to cover the face
Needs behind it
When these needs aren’t met
Softer and stronger
Often confused with
Ashamed
Embarrassed centres on a slip others noticed and usually fades once the moment passes; ashamed touches your sense of worth and can linger even when nobody saw.
Awkward
Awkward is a moment that feels out of step, often with nobody at fault; embarrassed comes when you have slipped and others noticed.
Flustered
Flustered is composure slipping, with words and hands in a scramble; embarrassed is about how you looked to others after a slip.
Sheepish
Sheepish is a mild, half-smiling embarrassment at your own small blunder, already owned; embarrassed has more heat and a stronger wish for the moment to pass.