August 19, 2007
The root of awkwardness
This is a moderately profound thought not entirely my own, (well, maybe not even my own at all) but I somehow feel the need to let it breath a little......
A friend and I were recently talking about a specific problem she is having. Not even thinking, I was like, oh, you should talk to so and so because so and so knows what to do. Which elicited a very tense response... that would be so awkward, though. What? Where's the awkwardness? And, it comes down to this.... after two years of being in a church with someone and being in their same circle of existence, they had never been introduced.
My gut reaction was to think that was completely ridiculous! Until, I started to think of all the people that I've never been introduced to and feel completely awkward talking to even though I'd like to very much. AND, what's more is that there are people whom I've never been introduced but have for one reason or another interacted with consistently and like very much, yet I still cannot do the unthinkable of pursuing them relationally outside of the context of that interaction.
The answer seems so simple, but the solution appears to be painfully awkward. How does one bring about an end to this painfully awkward paradigm? I I mean, if it's too awkward to do anything about now, what will it be like in, say ten years? I mean, really? It'll suck. Yet, I can only aspire to vow to put an end to such awkwardness in my life.... I'm sure tomorrow I'll have forgotten all such passion and relegate myself yet again to the normalcy of the shade of the awkward tree in my life.
Posted by Angelina at August 19, 2007 01:27 AM
Comments
There is no question as to what you must do. Take a step out into faith in God and in his people. Awkwardness passes especially with people in our church family. You can even admit that it is awkward if that helps you to have something to say.
I suggest taking every opportunity to remove awkwardness, especially with people that you see often.
A relationship with the awkwardness removed is so refreshing that it could very well start you on track to remove the awkwardness from all of your relationships.
You'll do fine.
Posted by: paul at August 19, 2007 09:28 PM
Wait, Paul is crusading against awkwardness??
Posted by: Pat at August 20, 2007 11:04 PM
I just had a circumstance like this. I sat down and talked with Marc McClanahan who, of course, has been around for a long time, but I've never carried a real conversation with him.
Well, we did at the little Zeke party and now the awkwardness, though present at the time, is now removed.
Posted by: Tim at August 21, 2007 09:13 AM
Hmm... maybe thats why some people don't talk/respond much to me when I say hi :)
My method... offer up any fear to God and then disengage your brain until you're right next to the person... let God give you the words... and even if it seems awkward at first you two know each other and can trust that the other means well.
Posted by: Steve O at August 21, 2007 06:41 PM