Self-conscious embarrassment

Self-conscious

Strength 1 of 4

Attention snagged on how you are coming across, as if watching yourself from outside, so ordinary things like walking or talking stop feeling natural.

In the body

  • Movements turning stiff and deliberate
  • Warmth at the back of the neck
  • Hands not knowing where to go

Needs behind it

When these needs aren’t met

AcceptanceEaseSelf-expression

Softer and stronger

  1. Awkward
  2. Self-conscious
  3. Shy
  4. Embarrassed
  5. Flustered
  6. Sheepish
  7. Mortified

Often confused with

Exposed

Self-conscious is noticing that you are being looked at; exposed is the sense that something you had kept hidden is now in view.

Insecure

Self-conscious is attention caught on how you seem in a particular moment; insecure is a more lasting doubt about whether you are enough.

Shy

Shy is a holding back from contact, often before anything has happened; self-conscious is a sharp awareness of being looked at, which can strike even the outgoing.