[solarmist]

I have reframed how I interpret feeling awkward because of things like this.

Awkward is the feeling of trying something new (a form of play). Similar to giddiness.

Like trying out a new style of clothing, it's just the feeling of a new experience.

It's an intense sensation because we don't allow ourselves to feel as adults and assume it means I did something wrong/bad. No, it's just the experience of doing something different than you've always done. The context can tell you if it is problematic, but usually, it isn't something others notice.

[halkony]

I like this perspective. Sometimes I notice that the people I value aren't quite ready to hear it from me.

When that happens, a funny thought pops into my head -- love is a four letter word.