#21
But we've been together for 20 years with 3 kids and had an awesome day together today, so I think she's forgiven me.
The expert says embarrassment and humiliation are related emotions that can sometimes overlap, but they do have distinct characteristics, especially in the context of intimate relationships. "Embarrassment typically arises from relatively minor social missteps or perceived faux pas and often involves a sense of self-consciousness or mild shame. It tends to be fleeting and can even be laughed off or shared as a funny story later on," she noted.
"Humiliation, on the other hand, is a more intense and painful emotion that stems from feeling devalued, disrespected, or dehumanized by others. It often involves a loss of dignity and a sense of powerlessness or inferiority. Humiliation in intimate relationships can be particularly damaging, as it undermines trust, connection, and the sense of safety needed for a healthy partnership," the therapist continued.
#22
#23
A month or so later he proposed. I said yes. And then he pulled the wrap-style wedding ring out of his pocket and said “this is why I was laughing when you said you hated wrap rings. I had already bought it, but we can go pick out a different one.”
I felt horrible, and in that moment I also knew I would have loved that wrap ring knowing he picked it out for me. But he took me to the store and we got a different wedding band and I’ve worn it for nearly 25 years now.
He will never let me forget that I HATE wrap rings, though! Man, I wish I’d learned to listen more and talk less earlier in life.
#24
Been married almost 15 years and she still makes fun of me for that one 😂.
"In essence, embarrassment is usually a temporary, milder form of discomfort that's often rooted in our own actions or perceptions, while humiliation is a deeper, more damaging experience that stems from the harmful actions or attitudes of others," Dr. McMahon told Bored Panda. "We feel embarrassment for our actions, but the response to it by others can be to make light of it or humiliate us for it."
"Imagine how different the response to the pizza 'drop' would be if the family stared silently and the date said: 'That’s our dinner, you know. You should try to be more careful!' We can’t help but feel embarrassed sometimes. But feeling humiliated by someone on top of embarrassment is a clue to discontinue that relationship," the therapist noted.
"But here is the caveat: Only if they knew you felt humiliated and didn’t care. The 'laugh they got from the group' was worth the price you paid for feeling terribly shamed," she added.
#25
The most mortifying thing I did was sleep talk. I've had a habit of it all my life, and we were maybe a week into dating. He couldn't sleep because my place was new to him and he was very very nervous being so near to me. I apparently slept talked and told him I love you that night. When he finally told me about it months later after we finally said I love you while awake and coherent to each other, I couldn't stop hiding and blushing.
#26
I was released the next day and brought back to the original hospital where he picked me up. I figured that this would the end of this relationship. But nope. He proposed one year later and we've been married 14 years.
So he overlooked my Bipolar PTSD episode.
#27
We've been married 13 years and I don't go on amusement park rides anymore!
Finally, Dr. McMahon noted that embarrassing moments are an inevitable part of life and relationships. "How our partners or friends respond to these moments can reveal a great deal about their character and the strength of our connection," she shared. "The key is to find people who respond with empathy, kindness, and perhaps a touch of humor when appropriate. These are the individuals who will help us navigate life's awkward moments with grace and understanding."
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"A truly caring partner or friend will aim to alleviate your embarrassment, not compound it," Dr. McMahon says. "Ultimately, our ability to laugh at ourselves and forgive our own missteps is just as important as how others react. So, embrace your imperfections, cherish those who support you through them, and don't be afraid to share a laugh over life's little embarrassments."
#30
#31
We are married 35 years now. She laughs about it now.
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#40
I admitted that I did while continuing to sit there until I finished my ice cream sandwich. We've been married for ten years now.
