You feel embarrassment when suddenly attention is being focused on you in a situation that is not in your control[1]. For example, you jump on your bicycle and suddenly your trousers rip with a sound audible to people around.
Embarrassment is often associated with violating social conduct – committing a 'faux pas'[2]. For instance, you can be embarrassed when you start addressing someone and then realize you forgot their name. Or, when you are on a very busy train and accidentally touch a stranger in an inappropriate place. However, you do not necessarily have to do something bad or stupid to be embarrassed[3]. You can also be embarrassed for being in an uncomfortable situation, such as when you have to ask money back that you loaned to a friend, or simply because someone is staring at you. Such situations are often called 'awkward'[4]. You can even feel embarrassed by something positive, for instance, when you are being complimented in front of other people. The central elements: sudden attention on you and not being in control, are present in all these cases. Embarrassment is sometimes seen as a less severe negative emotion, and people even put others in embarrassing situations for their amusement, such as putting a whoopee cushion under a seat. Nevertheless, for certain people, groups and cultures, embarrassment can be a seriously unpleasant emotion.
People who are embarrassed become self-conscious, are likely to blush and smile, alternate between looking back and looking away, and often don't know what to do with their hands and body[5].
In the comic, Murphy is just about to start an important presentation, when somehow a picture of him on the beach that he had meant for his mother pops up on the screen. His coworkers find it hilarious, but Murphy is deeply embarrassed.
