Latoya Campbell, Outlook Youth Writer

One way or the other, we've all had our fair share of unforgettable and awkward moments. It may be signalling to someone while using the wrong name or even being caught staring at someone.

They may have been quickly passed over or unfortunately, an incident that lingers in the mind of people long after. It's bad enough to be caught in an awkward situation but the way in which you handle it either helps to quell or worsens the matter.

Youthlink decided to get an idea of some of the awkward situations that teens have found themselves in then get some opinions of what other persons would do in the given situations.

We also created a dictionary (which was sourced from http://www.urbandictionary.com) that defines some of the terms used in the responses.

BA - Blatantly Awkward

Madawk - Mad Awkward

WAA - Weird And Awkward

A smug grin formed on Kim's face as she recalled a past experience while walking to her next class: "I was rushing because I didn't want to be late again and didn't notice the guy in front of me until I crashed right into him. All our stuff went flying across the corridor. To make matters worse, our heads knocked together while we were picking up the contents of our bags.

Steffi 18

That's madawk! I would be REALLY embarrassed especially having to pick up all those books after they flew everywhere. I would feel really bad too, having run into him and then I would apologise profusely.

Tony

"My family was having a barbecue and I decided to invite my girlfriend. All was going well until it was time to introduce her to my father. Before I could say anything he gave her a hug and started asking about her mother. It was then that I found out that we had more in common than we both knew; we were cousins!"

Mark 19

That is definitely BA. I'd feel really embarrassed and walk away immediately. There's nothing more WAA than liking your cousin.

Michael

"Dana and I had been going out for sometime before she decided to introduce me to one of her friends from high school. We agreed to meet at a restaurant and have lunch. To my surprise it was none other than Stacy, my ex-girlfriend whom I cheated on and broke her heart."

Kirk 17

If I were he, I'd still go on the date and pretend that nothing ever happened between Stacy and me.

Keisha

"I couldn't find my note book so I shouted, 'Which idiot took up my book?' To my horror, I looked up and saw my lecturer handing it to me."

Jhenelle 18

Madawk! I would pretend that I was referring to another book or maybe I'd say, 'Oh, was that my book, I didn't even realise that this one was missing as well!'

POLL

In an awkward situation, what is usually the first thing that you do?

Response

I laugh it off and pretend that nothing happened .................................... 27

I feel really embarrassed and shirk away from the scene ..................... 15

I cross my fingers and hope no one noticed what had happened ....... 8

For the most interesting teen issues and styles, get your copy of Youthlink magazine on newsstands on Tuesday.