In couples therapy we teach that the road to intimacy (closeness both emotionally and physically) is paved with the desire to be empathetic and vulnerable. In order to be vulnerable we must risk. More often than not this will be awkward. The video “Embracing Awkwardness” touches on how we as a society go to extreme lengths to try and avoid awkward situations. The presenter in the film (Banks Benitez) emphasizes that by our fear of coming off as awkward we are never allowing ourselves to experience the fullness that life has to offer. He is saying that if we just let it all hang out, so to speak, by conveying our true emotions, mannerisms, responses, reactions, we then have the ability to experience life unveiled. In the words of Benitez, “If it is awkward, keep going”.

Watch “Embracing Awkwardness” by Banks Benitez below: