They are just bound to come up. Awkward situations never seems to go away and no matter how hard you try, avoiding that strange moment is sometimes impossible. However, there are some things that you can do to make this situation a little bit more comfortable.

So let's say that…

You are wearing a really cool skirt one day and this girl comes up to you and is like "I really like your skirt". Naturally, you would say "thanks" but sometimes just saying "thanks" ends the conversation really abruptly. So instead you could say, "Thanks, it's new" or "thanks I haven't worn it in so long". It's kind of fake to say "Thanks, I really like your bracelet" because then it just makes the other person feel like you are complimenting them because you feel bad. You may not even like the bracelet, but sometimes saying you like it can make the situation really uncomfortable. If you really do like the bracelet you could say something like "Thanks. You know, I was looking at your bracelet before and it's really cute. Where did you get it?" It's important to not sound rude when you are replying either and snapping back with a "thanks" and quickly turning your back.

You bump into a boy that used to like you, but you turned him down. After apologizing for bumping into him, ask him how he's doing. It's important to start up a conversation because you don't want any weirdness in the future or any grudges being held. Try not to be too friendly or flirty though because you don't want to put the idea in his head that maybe now you are interested in him. Just talk to him normally, and remember… he used to like you, so he may be a little nervous around you. You've got to be the bigger person and start the convo up.

You see a girl in school who, the night before, you got in a fight with online. Fighting online is completely different then fighting in person. It is so much easier to say things online that no one would ever say in person. But, if you come across this girl, don't be a jerk. It's going to be weird because you're not on the best of terms. Be the better person though. Just smile and walk away or say hi really fast and leave. If you are fighting, don't say something mean or shoot a dirty look. It will just prolong the fight and make things worse.

Sometimes it's really hard to avoid an awkward situation. Just try your best to not say anything that would make things weird or uncomfortable.

– Juliette

Everyone is different—what might work for someone else might not work for you. Dr. Swanson's and Juliette's ideas might give you a new way of looking at things but always talk with an adult you trust (parents, teacher, aunt/uncle) before making important decisions or if you have a serious problem. Although we can't publish every question, we post new "Kids' Counsel" questions every Friday!!! So, check us out every week and be sure to visit "Past questions and answers" if you're looking for ideas!