Embarrassment is one of the most challenging emotions to handle, often leaving us vulnerable and anxious in social interactions. But what if there were proven strategies to recover from it gracefully? This guide explores 10 mechanisms of legitimation, offering you practical techniques to rebuild your confidence and navigate embarrassing moments effortlessly.
What Is Embarrassment?
Embarrassment occurs when the expressive order of a social interaction—the fragile web of meanings defining who we are and what the situation is—falls apart. Sociologists George McCall and JL Simmons describe mechanisms of legitimation as strategies for regaining legitimacy after embarrassment.
When we embarrass ourselves, our identity momentarily becomes “illegitimate.” These mechanisms help us reclaim our sense of self.
10 Mechanisms to Recover from Embarrassment
1. Build Up Credit
Definition: Rely on your established reputation to minimize the impact of embarrassment.
• Example: A respected teacher makes a mistake about an assignment but laughs it off, knowing their credibility will remain intact due to past positive interactions.
2. Selective Perception
Definition: Choose not to acknowledge embarrassing elements in your environment.
• Example: If you accidentally bring up a sensitive subject, claim you didn’t notice the listener’s discomfort.
• Response: “I thought she just had indigestion.”
3. Plea for Release from Normal Standards
Definition: Request leniency due to extraordinary circumstances.
• Example: If you give a poor presentation, say, “I was up all night because my kids were sick.”
4. Selective Interpretation
Definition: Reframe embarrassing evidence in a positive light.
• Example: If the audience boos your performance, interpret it as cheering.
• Response: “They were shouting ‘Bruce!’ not booing.”
5. Withdraw from the Situation
Definition: Remove yourself entirely to avoid further embarrassment.
• Example: If you run into your ex while on a date, leave the venue instead of engaging in an awkward interaction.
6. Role Switching
Definition: Attribute embarrassing behavior to a different role.
• Example: If you use inappropriate language during a meeting, say, “I didn’t realize the meeting had started—I was just chatting with friends.”
7. Rationalization
Definition: Justify your behavior by explaining it logically.
• Example: If you bring up divisive topics at Thanksgiving, say, “These are important issues responsible citizens discuss.”
8. Scapegoating
Definition: Shift the blame for your behavior onto someone else.
• Example: If you cause a commotion at dinner, blame your uncle for starting the discussion.
• Response: “It wasn’t me—Uncle Henry brought it up first!”
9. Pretending You Were Joking
Definition: Pass off your embarrassing statement as humor.
• Example: If you mispronounce “Sistine Chapel” as “Sixteenth Chapel,” say, “I was just seeing if you’d catch me!”
10. Judging the Audience as Incompetent
Definition: Question the audience’s ability to evaluate you fairly.
• Example: If your performance is poorly received, say, “What do they know? They wouldn’t recognize greatness if it hit them.”
Conclusion
Embarrassment is inevitable, but recovering gracefully is a skill you can master. By using these 10 mechanisms of legitimation, you’ll be equipped to handle awkward moments with confidence and humor. Some techniques may feel more natural than others, but having them in your repertoire ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
FAQs
Q1: Can these mechanisms work in professional settings?
Yes, strategies like rationalization, selective perception, and role switching are particularly effective in work environments.
Q2: Is withdrawing from the situation always the best option?
While withdrawing can help in extreme cases, it’s better to use mechanisms like rationalization or humor in manageable situations.
Q3: How can selective interpretation improve confidence?
By reframing situations positively, you can shift focus away from embarrassment and maintain self-assurance.
Q4: What’s the key to recovering from embarrassment?
The key is to stay calm, use humor or rationalization when appropriate, and remember that everyone experiences embarrassing moments.
