Q&A for How to Get Out of Awkward Situations

Keep it direct! Say something like "This situation makes me uncomfortable and I'm going to excuse myself."

Try changing the subject from whatever awkward topic you're both talking about. Mention something important or urgent that you need to do, and use that as an excuse to get out of the situation.

The best way to deal with this is to talk to her. If it is really uncomfortable, ask her to keep it private and personal, without anyone else in on it. She will usually cater to your request. If not, you'll just have to deal with the embarrassment. Be careful next time with these conversations with your friend!

Use it as an opportunity to practice your conversation skills. Ask open-ended, general questions, such as, "So, have you seen any good movies lately?" or, "Anything exciting going on this weekend?" Chances are, the other person will take the conversational bait, as he or she is feeling just as awkward and uncomfortable as you are.

Say something along the lines of "I really like you, just not in that way.". Remember, you can't control what they feel towards your rejection, you can only lessen the blow.

Say hello, ask them how their life has been since you last talked. Ask questions. The best thing you need to know about how to talk to someone is: people love to talk about themselves. Get them talking.

Tell your boss straight up that you do not feel comfortable doing that and if they cannot respect that, consider drawing this to the attention of human resources. Nobody should feel uncomfortable at work and there are proper procedures in place to deal with harassment, bullying or other thoughtless, unkind and assaulting behaviors.

Just talk to them like you would anyone else. Pretend they don't know you like them, and just be casual and friendly. If you don't act embarrassed or make a big deal out of it, they probably won't either.

When you accidentally put your hand on something hot, say an iron, you jerk it away rather than slowly moving it away an inch, even though that inch would also be enough. You told him you were uncomfortable, and he reacted the same way: pulling away very far where just a little would have been enough as well. You were right to express your boundaries, and it's a natural reaction that he now keeps more distance than necessary. Give it time and it will work itself out.

Try your best to get to know them better ahead of that event if you're really that worried. If you have an electronic device, see if you can find their contacts and you guys can chat whenever you like. If don't though, don't keep quiet the whole time at the event. While the other people are talking there, find a sentence where you think you can join in, go from there, and at the end of the event, exchange names.