If You’re Not Embarrassed, You Should Be

Do you remember a time when you embarrassed yourself so badly your face turned bright red? You sensed the weight of knowing it was wrong — clammy hands, a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, and your heart pounding with such force you were sure everyone could hear it. Every glance felt like a spotlight, replaying the moment in your mind and feeding that quiet wish that you could simply vanish. Yet today, some things that should spark embarrassment are met with nothing but indifference.

There are times when you fall flat on your face and just want to crawl under a rock. I get it. But just because you made a mistake, it doesn’t make you a loser. After all, we’re all human. Other times, you fall short of acceptable behavior — being rude, doing the bare minimum, or making a spectacle of yourself — and that’s on you. If you’re not embarrassed, you should be.

Some things are out of your control; your attitude isn’t one of them.

What Ever Happened to Shame?

It’s important to act with integrity, mind your manners, treat others with kindness, and hold yourself to high standards. But knowing right from wrong doesn’t mean you’ll always act that way.

Every time you lower your standards or ignore social norms, you disrespect others and shortchange yourself. Embarrassment is your mind’s way of signaling that you’ve done something wrong and wish you could undo it.

Here are 20 common behaviors you may later regret. What do you think of people who:

Use offensive language?
Cut in line?
Stop at nothing to get what they want?
Do the bare minimum — forcing others to pick up the slack?
Belittle or disrespect others in public?
Justify cheating because “everyone does it”?
Force their beliefs on others?
Say one thing but do another?
Get drunk and make a fool of themselves?
Make promises they never intend to keep?
Take things that aren’t theirs?
Let others discipline their kids — so they can stay the “good guy”?
Overlook bad behavior?
Pretend they’re the only one in the room?
Eat like they were raised in a barn?
Think the world revolves around them?
Exploit others for personal gain?
Expect rewards without earning them?
Think only of themselves?
Say “I can’t” when they really mean “I won’t”?

When Did Blushing Go Out of Style?

For some, getting caught is more unsettling than the act itself. They resent being called out, insisting, “Everyone does it,” as if that makes it right. But does following the crowd erase the harm or excuse their choices? Rather than owning their actions, they make excuses and move on as though nothing happened.

Rules of behavior exist because we don’t live on our own islands — we must live together. When people act selfishly, take advantage of others, disregard the rights of those around them, or ignore the consequences of their actions, everyone suffers. Respect, fairness, and accountability aren’t just ideals — they’re the glue that binds society together, ensuring that one person’s choices don’t come at the expense of the collective good.

Furthermore, even if others overlook what you do, you know whether you’ve stayed true to your values. Your actions reveal your real self, and only your conscience bears witness.

Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Destination

If you’re the type who isn’t embarrassed by a shallow, uncaring, and unprincipled life, you should be. You may have a fancy title, lavish possessions, or public acclaim — but none of it matters if you earned it the wrong way. All the trophies in the world can’t polish a tarnished soul. Listen to your conscience. That’s why you have one.