Awkward Quote by David Sedaris
“His embarassment would have pleased me, but once he recovered, there would be that awkward period that sometimes culminates in a handshake. I didn't want to touch these people's hands or see things from their point of view, I just wanted to continue hating them. So I kept my mouth shut and stared off into space.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Nasty: The Diary of a CEO, 2015
He describes an uncomfortable social interaction where embarrassment leads to a forced polite gesture, yet he chooses to maintain hostility and emotional distance.
In simple terms: He feels awkward but keeps his animosity, avoiding genuine connection.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when avoidance fuels resentment.
Themes
social awkwardness
hostility
emotional avoidance
Mood
uneasy
detached
reflective
Type
observational
critical
humorous
When to use this quote
- office gatherings
- family events
- political meetings
- social networking
- public speaking
Key Concepts
interpersonal dynamics
self‑control
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we cling to animosity despite discomfort?
- How could a brief honest gesture change the dynamic?
A Different Perspective
Avoidance can deepen resentment and prevent resolution.
![“I only had two real tasks [while in Norway]: gathering dead trees to burn from the surrounding small forest and getting water from a hole in a frozen stream. The rest of the time I wandered around, obsessed over my life dramas, stared into space, read books, wrote letters, made up songs, went…” quote by Phil Elverum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/519/phil-elverum-6384_books_i-only-had-two-real-tasks-while-in-norwa_2893302.jpg)
