Children learn to cope with embarrassment through humor and support, says expert from Roskilde University

Children often experience moments of embarrassment that leave them feeling flushed, overheated, and with a dry throat. Such situations, like mistakenly calling a teacher “mom,” can haunt us at night. However, public figures also face their share of embarrassing gaffes. For example, U.S. President Joe Biden once mistakenly referred to Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy as Putin, while actress Jennifer Lawrence has stumbled on stage during award ceremonies.

Fortunately, these uncomfortable memories need not linger, according to behaviorist Pelle Guldborg Hansen from Roskilde University. He suggests that confronting embarrassing experiences can greatly improve one’s self-esteem.

He offers three strategies for coping with embarrassment:

1. Embrace the awkwardness: Instead of avoiding situations that feel uncomfortable, Hansen encourages individuals to actively provoke them. Wearing something silly or unusual may help one become accustomed to feeling awkward. If embarrassment arises unexpectedly, addressing it openly can ease the tension—acknowledging the situation often diffuses the awkwardness. A little humor can also go a long way—if you drop a utensil, for instance, looking up and jokingly questioning its origin can lighten the mood.

2. Support others in awkward moments: If someone else finds themselves in an embarrassing situation, it’s helpful to ease their discomfort. Whether by mimicking their blunder or quickly changing the subject, offering support can alleviate the tension for everyone involved.

3. Laugh it off: Lastly, Hansen emphasizes the importance of humor. Taking oneself too seriously can be detrimental, as most embarrassing moments are only significant in our own minds. They are often forgotten by others shortly after they occur, so the more one can revisit these moments humorously, the easier it becomes to handle future mishaps.