[blind archer]

For as long as I can remember I get REALLY anxious and uncomfortable if I see someone getting in an awkward situation where people get mad or think bad of that person or he makes a fool of himself even if only slightly and for a little amount of time.

This happens even if it's all fictional as in in a show or movie or video game etc. For example if the main character fakes doing something wrong in front of other people getting them disappointed temporarily so that he can foil the bad dude's evil plan, I feel like turning the tv off and to never watch it again. Many times I really do that, there are movies and animes etc I suddenly, permanently quit because of that.

I know this is stupid and abnormal. I don't want to remain like this. But no matter how much I try I can't convince my brain to stop this. Why does this happen? What do I do?

[electricbipolargirl]

I do the same thing. I think it is because we are sensitive and have empathy for the person or character. I always think how I would feel if that situation were happening to me. In a way, I don't think that's it's really a bad thing. I think it shows that we care about other people and do not want to see them hurting or feeling uncomfortable.

I don't know if there is a way to really stop feeling this way. I would just keep doing what you are doing and avoid watching those situations as much as possible. If it's on tv, video game, etc, then turn it off like you have been.

If it happens in real life, maybe you could stand up for the person getting humiliated. This might make you feel better because at least you tried to help. You may get a new friend out of it, too.

Wish I had better advice. I will be watching this thread, as well, to see what others have to say about this problem.

[Turtlesoup]

I also do this both in real life with people I don't even know & while watching movies or TV-I talked with my T about this a while back & he suggested it could be my long PTSD history-I just can't deal with conflict on pretty much any level so things like this make me very uncomfortable. One of the many things I'm doing to work on my anxiety issues is learning to just sit with them (which is incredibly hard) & focus on the fact someone else's situation or a fictional situation can't kill me-I breathe a lot & I probably look funny but my anxiety is coming down. Like if my husband is on the phone with Dell trying to fix a computer problem I usually hide in another room & turn on music or cover my ears so I can't hear-even the thought that something confrontational could occur is scary. Actually had that happen earlier today & for the most part I was able to sit in the same room with the phone call-was unable to focus on what I was reading but sitting & breathing did get me through it. Good luck

Im like that too. I want to save them from their embarrassment. Then it was pointed out to me that I am underestimating other people's ability to take care of themselves. That in most situation people don't need me taking care of them. They r quite capable of taking care of themselves. Still feel uncomfortable and distance myself. But yea I have to admit, most people can handle it themselves.

[TheDeepGreenSea]

I can't handle awkward humor like The Office or Arrested Development. It makes me uncomfortable and I need to turn the channel or turn off the TV. I fast-forward through really awkward portions in my favorite shows. I just absorb the feeling, I end up feeling it too and want to get away from it as much as possible.

[CosmicRose]

It's actually not abnormal, it just means you're very empathetic to how others feel. I'm usually the one embarrassing myself or getting humiliated, so thanks for empathizing with us awkward folk.