--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: His embarassment would have pleased me…" description: "\"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 wa..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d3/david-sedaris-333_awkward_his-embarassment-would-have-pleased-me-b_2292339.png" --- # His embarassment would have pleased me, but once he… ![“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…” quote by David Sedaris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d3/david-sedaris-333_awkward_his-embarassment-would-have-pleased-me-b_2292339.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d3/david-sedaris-333_awkward_his-embarassment-would-have-pleased-me-b_2292339.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d3/david-sedaris-333_awkward_his-embarassment-would-have-pleased-me-b_2292339.png) > “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.” [David Sedaris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-sedaris/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Hate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hate/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Point of view](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/point-of-view/) [Shame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shame/) [Space](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/space/) ## Related quotes > [ “I only had two real tasks \[while in Norway\]: gathering dead trees to burn from the surrounding small forest and getting water from a… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/phil-elverum/i-only-had-two-real-tasks-while-in-norway-gathering-dead-trees-to/) [Phil Elverum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/phil-elverum/) > [“Do you know how hard it is to diet with a name like Cookie?” “That’s so weird.” I stared off into space, marveling at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/darynda-jones/do-you-know-how-hard-it-is-to-diet-with-a-name-like-cookie-that-s-so/) [Darynda Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/darynda-jones/) > [Ah," she cried, "you look so cool." 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