I used to feel so much like that, and it really sucked. I feel a lot better about it now, and also like myself a lot better now. I think what people want in any worthwhile conversation (small talk is more of a script) is to ”Seek first to understand then be understood”. And also understand that people are human, and everyone’s a little awkward sometimes and people WANT to overlook awkwardness, so you’re both working together to get past the awkward things both of you might do.

You do not deserve to have someone bully you about being ”awkward” when you’re trying your best! And that means you too, don’t bully yourself!