Embarrassment?

[Drusilla]

I've recently embarrassed myself on this site and it's got me thinking. Why do humans get embarrassed? Is it a purely social condition, or is there some deep anthropological/genetic/instinctive reason for it?

[Dreaming]

Its the moustache thing Drusilla, I saw you! LOL

[Dreaming]

But I dont know why people get embarrassed. But sometimes I think you think you have embarrassed yourself, when others havent even realised it. Its happened to me on several occassions!

[Drusilla]

I'm going to be waxing all weekend now, Dreaming. I might even have a Brazilian!! I feel such a berk!

[Dreaming]

Well Drusilla, if men have wax their chests, then why cant us women wax our tashes. Equality and all!

[Dreaming]

Drusilla, I thought your reply to the waxing dilemma was very funny. Think about me and my sideburns! Now theres a problem!

[Lore]

lol what are you two like?!

Drusilla, I think embarrassment is based on the fear of not being accepted - I used to blush at the slightest thing when I was younger.... there are times when you do or say something that isn't considered acceptable, then there's that sinking feeling of (dread, did I really say that? oh no!! ) or in my case.... Did I really just go skidding across the hall in work, on my butt, brolly half closed in one hand and my other hand negotiating with the door handle in an attempt to save myself....in front of several members of staff from various schools? :o\

[Dreaming]

lol Lore, come on join me and Drusilla in the embarrassement club. The times I have embarrassed myself is way too many to mention!

[Lore]

hehe same here dreaming! I've done so many daft things and here I am at 32, still looking like an idiot on a regular basis.. but care not a jot!! :oP

[{Dakota}]

Awwww Dru, I didn't see the thread but try not to be embarrased!

I have no idea why humans get embarassed but I find that being embarrassed can be even more embarrassing! Does that make sense? You say/do something you go very red which makes things worse!

I still blush about things that happened years ago!

[kaktus]

I don't think they're is an genetic reason for it as such, but I do believe we humans have a basic need for social contact. On top of that we have some very intricate social patterns and cultural norms that tell us how to behave. We break those social rules and norms, albeit in a very soft sort way, when we embarass ourself. I mean if we didn't have those social norms it would be impossible to behave embarrassing.

As an example. I move to "the island of falling on your arse" with mr. kaktus. I fall on my arse very well but mr. kaktus doesn't. It will then be sort of embarrassing for mr. kaktus :)

Anyway I think Lore says it really well.

If it will make you feel better I had to walk back on ma bare (well almost bare) feet to retrieve my shoe today because me 8 centimeter heel had to decided to get stuck and I sort of walked on without it :)