Why do people feel embarrassed when they are the only one doing something?
Being different is easy in theory and expensive in emotions.
Everyone stays seated.\n\nOne person stands up.\n\nSuddenly it feels uncomfortable.\n\nThe hidden mechanism is belonging anxiety.\n\nHumans evolved in groups.\n\nSimilarity signaled safety.\n\nDifference signaled risk.\n\nPeople think embarrassment comes from other people judging them.\n\nVery often, it comes from imagining that they might.
