© 2026 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

1A's Completely Normal And Not At All Uncomfortable Show On Awkwardness

An empty school hallway.
Michael Loccisano
/
Getty Images
An empty school hallway.

It's the last day of high school and you're finally going to tell your crush how you feel. You've worn your favorite top and practiced what you're going to say a dozen times. And right before you make your big confession, your crush looks at you and says they've always had a crush on... your best friend.

Or maybe you've forgotten your boss's birthday and when you walk into their office, they think you're about to give them a card, but instead you ask for a raise. Or what if you tuned into the program today and just heard silence for several minutes instead of an intro?

All of this would probably make you feel pretty... awkward.

Most of us have experienced awkward moments in our lives, whether it's stuttering in front of a crush or presenting an idea at a meeting that's met with crickets. But avoiding awkwardness can mean not having necessary conversations or missing out on meaningful connections that may have started with an awkward exchange.

What can we learn from awkward situations when we sit with them instead of running from them?

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

Copyright 2024 NPR

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.