{"id":357935,"date":"2025-12-19T11:15:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T11:15:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/357935\/"},"modified":"2025-12-19T11:15:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T11:15:16","slug":"6-tips-to-help-you-overcome-social-anxiety-this-season-npr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/357935\/","title":{"rendered":"6 tips to help you overcome social anxiety this season : NPR"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The holidays tend to be a time for gathering, with work parties, family dinners and school showcases. And socializing can be awkward! But avoiding awkwardness can also get in the way of fun and connection.<\/p>\n<p>So if you&#8217;re considering bailing on your community potluck or office party because you&#8217;re anxious, read this first!<\/p>\n<p>Here are six tips from psychologists Ali Mattu and Fallon Goodman on how to embrace the awkwardness and practice social courage.<\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142908_202_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F94%2F99%2F241d20e9459a9e4dcc19704ec3da%2Fpanel-1.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"An illustrated comic shows a variety of cards and invitations. Text at the top of the screen reads: \u201cFor many people, big events like weddings and birthday parties are less fun and more anxiety inducing.\u201d &#10;&#10;The cards below say: \u201cOh no, it\u2019s yet another birthday you have to attend\u201d with a sweating face. \u201cWith deepest regrets \u2026 we invite you to our wedding \u2026\u201d \u201cOffice holiday party! Theme: Sorry to do this to you all!\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, text reads: \u201cWhen that\u2019s the case \u2026\u201d \" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142908_689_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F17%2F1d%2F6c62453a44a9b4f7d259ec29a6a9%2Fpanel-2.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"An illustrated comic shows an image of psychologist Ali Mattu in the top left of the frame. Speech bubbles emanating from his mouth read, \u201cIt\u2019s kind of like playing a video game on hard mode. Your mind sees threads in the environment.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, a video game depicts the main character as a block head going through Level one. A person pops out of a pipe and says \u201chello!\u201d An option appears in two-bit text reading: \u201cinitiate small talk?\u201d Options are \u201cYes\u201d \u201cNo\u201d and \u201cRun away.\u201d \" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142909_500_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3f%2Fba%2F1a0ac78b47d6bdcecd77b4600586%2Fpanel-3.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"An illustrated comic shows an image of psychologist Ali Mattu in the top left of the frame. A speech bubble emanating from his mouth reads, \u201cYou start to believe you know how people are seeing you, how they\u2019re thinking about you and judging you.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, the video game character is surrounded by angry-looking mushrooms, plants, and a sun. The two-bit text reads: \u201cEveryone hates you. Game over.\u201d With a frowny face. &#10;\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142910_895_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F21%2F98%2Fe7824b4a433f9f20b06d6934468c%2Fpanel-4.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"An illustrated comic shows an image of psychologist Fallon Goodman in the top left of the frame. Speech bubbles emanating from her mouth read, \u201cThe thing about anxiety is that in the short term, it feels really good not to encounter the thing you\u2019re anxious about. I challenge everyone to ask: What do I have? What do I need?\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, the video game character enters Level 2. A green two-bit box pops up that says: \u201cNew tools unlocked! Inventory: key, speech bubble, heart, question mark\u201d \" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142910_483_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fac%2F07%2F099c8859414199e642ae5d7e5ee4%2Fpanel-5.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Black text in an orange text box at the top of the frame reads: \u201cHere are six tips from psychologists about how to deal with your anxiety \u2014 rather than repressing it.\u201d &#10;&#10;An illustration below shows two kids facing a television with the block-head video game character from earlier panels on the screen. One kid turns to the other kid and says, \u201cDo you know any cheat codes for this game?\u201d The other child responds, \u201cI wish.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, black text on an orange text box reads: \u201cWe\u2019re offering tips for everyday social anxiety that we all feel at intense times. There\u2019s also social anxiety disorder \u2014 one of the most common mental health disorders, which has a lot of treatment options with trained professionals.\u201d &#10;\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142911_701_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb2%2Ff8%2F922964824f38840dae8129956b14%2Fpanel-6.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Black text on a yellow star reads: \u201ctip 1.\u201d Next to the star, black text in an orange text box at the top of the frame reads: \u201cBuild low-stakes social interactions into your everyday life.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, a two-bit version of psychologist Fallon Goodman appears in a pop-out box. Text bubbles emanating from her mouth read, \u201cIt feels really effortful to go out, make plans and a time to meet. People can feel like it\u2019s not worth it.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below that, the word \u201cHint!\u201d Appears in a green semi-circle. Below, black text in an orange box reads: \u201cBig events are like boss-level socializing. Start small!\u201d &#10;&#10;To the right, the video game character walks up to a barista at a coffee shop. Text reads: Side Quest: Talk with the shop clerk.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142911_908_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe8%2Fc1%2Fcbcdfadc4468a7b6b21766de5fb7%2Fpanel-7.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"At the top of the frame, the word \u201cHints!\u201d Appears in a green semi-circle. Below, dark text in an orange text box is divided into two points, denoted with arrows. They reads: \u201cStart with building a daily routine of small, low-stakes socializing, like talking to a cashier, classmate or co-worker.\u201d &#10;&#10;The second point reads: \u201cThe more practice you get, the more comfortable you become with some awkwardness.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, on the left side, a block-head video game character walks up to the barista in a two-bit scene and says, \u201cHello! One tea, please. I like your shirt.\u201d &#10;&#10;To the right, the block-head character earns one bonus point for making small talk with the barista. &#10;&#10;In the frame below, the tea seller, named Wesley wearing a cat tee-shirt says, \u201cThank you! I got it at the thrift store next door.\u201d &#10;&#10;A friend meter at the bottom of the screen glows as one point is added. &#10;&#10;\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142911_319_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F4e%2Ff7%2F61a8e6b347f3a7fc91e03f0b2712%2Fpanel-9.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"At the top of the frame, black text in an orange text box reads: \u201cAnd make an escape plan! Give yourself an out to leave when you really want to.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below is an image of the two-bit video game. It shows the block-head character saying, \u201cMust run to take care of my cat.\u201d Next to the block-head character, an orange two-bit cat with a bowl of food and a floating heart above its head says, \u201cMrrow!\u201d At the top of the video game, text in a green pop-up reads, \u201cBus ticket acquired!\u201d The character acquires a +1 heart at the top of the screen. They are now in level 2. \" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142912_575_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe7%2Fb1%2F3c381aa64a5ea3f45aa5e8618211%2Fpanel-8.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Black text on a yellow star reads: \u201cTip 2.\u201d Next to the star, black text in an orange text box at the top of the frame reads: \u201cTo prepare for an event, make a game plan. Small, concrete goals can help ground you if you\u2019re ever feeling lost.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, a block-head video game character makes their way through a two-bit maze. There are other block-head characters, question boxes, and a plant with teeth popping out of a pipe, in the maze. Two-bit text at the top of the maze reads: \u201cSet a goal for yourself: 1) Talk to one new person. 2) Ask two questions.\u201d \" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142912_441_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F86%2F3c%2Fe0f9b51644e090560846f6ffa76e%2Fpanel-10.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"At the top of the frame, the word \u201cHints!\u201d Appears in a green semi-circle. Below, dark text in an orange text box reads, \u201cPart of the game plan can be naming your biggest fears about the event.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, a two-bit version of psychologist Fallon Goodman appears in a pop-out box. A text bubble emanates from her mouth that says, \u201cBe specific.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below that, an arrow points to two-bit text that reads: \u201cvoicing your fears ahead of time can help make real life less scary.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, an exclamation point in a triangle appears next to more text that reads, \u201cYour worst-case scenario will probably not happen!\u201d &#10;&#10;To the right, the two-bit video game character appears in a pop-out box. Next to the character, a red box with white text reads, \u201cPossible boss fights.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below are three scenarios, illustrated in a two-bit style. &#10;&#10;1. Spill drink on crush. A spilled water glass is next to a broken heart. &#10;2. Make a joke &amp; no one laughs. A blockhead character has a speech bubble with an exclamation point. To the right is another speech bubble with ellipses. &#10;3. Run into your ex. On the left is the block-head character. On the right, an orange block-head with a swoop of black hair has a speech bubble that says, \u201chi.\u201d &#10;\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142913_615_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb2%2Ff1%2F966b04a74a83b3a742209ea72f3a%2Fpanel-11.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Black text on a yellow star reads: \u201cTip 3.\u201d Next to the star, black text in an orange text box at the top of the frame reads: \u201cPut away your phone! Looking at our phones is a 'safety behavior' \u2014 something we do in a social setting to feel more secure. But staring into your phone is not a way to connect with others.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below is a two-bit scene with a villainous, anthropomorphized smartphone. The phone says, \u201cMwahaha!\u201d \u201cLook at me!\u201d Next to the phone, a sunburst shape with text inside reads, \u201cBoss level!\u201d \" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142913_518_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F39%2Fe8%2Fbd83c8a1444a907062c2dbd2dc5a%2Fpanel-12.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"At the top of the screen, a two-bit version of psychologist Fallon Goodman appears in a pop-out box. A text bubble emanates from her mouth, reading, \u201cA safety behavior could be: 'I\u2019m not gonna say much. I\u2019 not gonna speak up. Because if I do, I might get rejected.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below is a two-bit scene with a villainous, anthropomorphized smartphone. The phone says, \u201cYou are powerless to resist my soothing screen!\u201d To the left of the phone, a blockhead video game player stares at the phone. Next to them, a green pop-up box reads: \u201cActions: Attack! Hide phone. Throw phone in toilet. Divert: Say hi to a human.\u201d \" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142913_482_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F36%2F95%2F56b205de432b886699c36cd16415%2Fpanel-13.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Black text on a yellow star reads: \u201cTip 4.\u201d Next to the star, black text in an orange text box at the top of the frame reads: \u201cEmbrace the awkwardness. It\u2019s totally normal for conversations to have awkward silences and miscommunications.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below is an illustrated image of psychologist Ali Mattu in two-bit style. A speech bubble emanates from his mouth, reading, \u201cThe cost of social interactions is cringe.\u201d Next to him, three bar charts say, \u201cCringe meter\u201d, with each bar going down in value. &#10;&#10;Below, the word \u201cHints!\u201d appears in a green semi-circle. Below, dark text in an orange text box reads, \u201cIf an event has awkward moments, it doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doing something wrong.\u201d &#10;&#10;To the right, a two-bit video game scene shows a blockhead video game player facing another blockhead character. Above, an orange banner reads, \u201cBuffering \u2026 thoughts loading.\u201d A buffering wheel appears between the two characters. \" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142914_238_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F98%2F74%2F8b4f604341e4a28736f4a082e5d7%2Fpanel-14.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Black text on a yellow star reads: \u201cTip 5.\u201d Next to the star, black text in an orange text box at the top of the frame reads: \u201cFor a stressful event, bring a friend who can support you.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, a two-bit video game scene features a green pop-up box that reads, \u201cTwo-player mode unlocked!\u201d A blockhead player next to an orange cat, choosing between three companions: a dark blue blockhead with a hair swoop, a blue blockhead with a baseball hat, and a yellow blockhead with a baseball hat.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, the word \u201cHints!\u201d appears in a green semi-circle. Below, dark text in an orange text box reads, \u201cChoose wisely! It can be scary to go to an event alone, but just as stressful to bring someone who actually escalates your anxiety.\u201d &#10;&#10;To the right is a green pop-up box that features \u201cItems: Snax, H20, Cool rock\u201d and illustrations of those items. \" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142914_118_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fcb%2F50%2F6ddf54dd4fd081f6ec615f8973c0%2Fpanel-15.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"At the top of the screen, dark text in an orange text box reads, \u201cYou want a friend who will offer reflection and help you feel confident \u2014\u00a0rather than socially silo you.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, a two-bit video game scene shows a two-bit blockhead player who says, \u201cWas that bad?\u201d The companion responds, \u201cThat party was awkward, but I\u2019m proud of you for going. You did great!\u201d The two characters eat snacks. &#10;&#10;To the left, a green pop-up box says, \u201cItems: Snax, H20, Cool rock\u201d and features illustrations of those items. &#10;&#10;Below, a pop-up box reads: \u201cAction! It can help anxiety to debrief after an event.\u201d &#10;&#10;To the right, a two-bit version of psychologist Fallon Goodman appears in a pop-out box. A text bubble emanates from her mouth, reading, \u201cWe don\u2019t want to lie to ourselves. Start with \u201cHow did I do?\u201d Did your biggest fear come true? \u201c&#10;&#10;\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142915_887_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F74%2Fc5%2F0bd7c99b494f8824a8ccbf0e3a68%2Fpanel-16.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Black text on a yellow star reads: \u201cTip 6.\u201d Next to the star, black text in an orange text box at the top of the frame reads: \u201cTo move the spotlight off yourself, ask questions! Social anxiety can create a \u201cspotlight effect\u201d where we feel like everyone is watching us.\u201d &#10;&#10;To the right, a two-bit video game scene depicts a blockhead character entering a room filled with other blockhead characters and disembodied eyes. A spotlight shines on them, and a thought bubble appears above their head that reads, \u201cI\u2019m surrounded!\u201d &#10;&#10;To the left, a pop-up box reads: \u201cAction. Give your conversation partner a chance to shine!\u201d &#10;&#10;&#10;\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142915_27_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Faa%2F31%2Fd987550547bb857c932559848741%2Fpanel-17.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"At the top of the frame, the word \u201cHints!\u201d appears in a green semicircle. Below, dark text in an orange text box reads, \u201cTry open-ended questions that give people space to share.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, a two-bit illustration of psychologist Ali Mattu appears, with a speech bubble above his head that says, \u201cMany of us are trying to be interesting when the key to social interaction is actually: be interested.\u201d &#10;&#10;To the right, a two-bit video game scene shows a blockhead player interacting with a companion. Speech bubbles say, \u201cUh \u2026 what have you been doing for fun?\u201d &#10;&#10;The companion responds, \u201cHm \u2026 I\u2019m playing a new game.\u201d &#10;&#10;The blockhead player responds, \u201cOh cool! What is it?\u201d\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142915_926_\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2048x2048+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F90%2F28d14b154641bd6245f71a11f0a5%2Fpanel-18.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"An orange banner at the top of the frame reads: \u201cBuilding your social courage takes time and intention. But anyone can level up.\u201d &#10;&#10;Below, a two-bit scene from a video game says, \u201cMultiplayer mode unlocked!\u201d And shows a blockhead player with a heart over their head. Three other blockhead companions appear next to the player with speech bubbles that say, \u201cLove you, friend!\u201d \u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d And \u201cWe got you!\u201d An orange cat trails the friends with a heart over their head. &#10;&#10;At the top of the scene, a bar says \u201cLevel: 10\u201d and a health indicator displays four hearts.\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>This comic was written and illustrated by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mirkwork.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Shay Mirk<\/a>, a graphic journalist, editor, and teacher and the author of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abramsbooks.com\/product\/making-nonfiction-comics_9781419769276\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Making Nonfiction Comics: A Guide for Graphic Narrative.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This comic was reported by Andee Tagle and edited by Beck Harlan. The podcast episode was produced by Clare Marie Schneider. <\/p>\n<p>Want more Life Kit? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get expert advice on topics like money, relationships, health and more.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/n.pr\/3xN1tB9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Click here to subscribe now<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>                  <a class=\"imagewrap\" id=\"featuredStackSquareImagenx-s1-5403630\" href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2025\/09\/12\/nx-s1-5403630\/signs-its-time-to-quit\" data-metrics-ga4=\"{&quot;category&quot;:&quot;recirculation&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:&quot;story_recirculation_click&quot;,&quot;clickType&quot;:&quot;inset box&quot;,&quot;clickUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.npr.org\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/12\\\/nx-s1-5403630\\\/signs-its-time-to-quit&quot;}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142916_593_\" data-original=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2702x2700+1378+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/100\/format\/png\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbd%2F30%2F6d0ac22a4f128843dc0119f4f50a%2Fpromo-quitting-min.png\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/2702x2700+1378+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbd%2F30%2F6d0ac22a4f128843dc0119f4f50a%2Fpromo-quitting-min.png\" data-format=\"png\" class=\"img lazyOnLoad\" alt=\"An illustration of an Asian man with short black hair wearing a t-shirt and shorts. In a sequence of moves, he stands up from his desk and jumps out of bounds of the comic panel and off the page. \" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/lifekit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Life Kit <\/a><br \/>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2025\/09\/12\/nx-s1-5403630\/signs-its-time-to-quit\" data-metrics-ga4=\"{&quot;category&quot;:&quot;recirculation&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:&quot;story_recirculation_click&quot;,&quot;clickType&quot;:&quot;inset box&quot;,&quot;clickUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.npr.org\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/12\\\/nx-s1-5403630\\\/signs-its-time-to-quit&quot;}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">COMIC: 7 signs it&#8217;s time to call it quits <\/a><\/p>\n<p>                  <a class=\"imagewrap\" id=\"featuredStackSquareImagenx-s1-5332144\" href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2025\/03\/20\/nx-s1-5332144\/comic-still-cringing-about-that-awkward-moment-heres-what-to-do-about-it\" data-metrics-ga4=\"{&quot;category&quot;:&quot;recirculation&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:&quot;story_recirculation_click&quot;,&quot;clickType&quot;:&quot;inset box&quot;,&quot;clickUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.npr.org\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/20\\\/nx-s1-5332144\\\/comic-still-cringing-about-that-awkward-moment-heres-what-to-do-about-it&quot;}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766142916_26_\" data-original=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/3258x3258+0+0\/resize\/100\/quality\/100\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F70%2F08%2Ff14537204c1eb212d07576669342%2Flk-awkward-promo-1.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/3258x3258+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F70%2F08%2Ff14537204c1eb212d07576669342%2Flk-awkward-promo-1.jpg\" data-format=\"jpeg\" class=\"img lazyOnLoad\" alt=\"A black-and-white illustration that shows Navied, the illustrator of the comic, dressed as a magician standing on stage. His cheeks are flushing red. In a speech bubble, he says, &quot;And for my next trick, I will curl into the fetal position and make myself disappear.&quot; A white rabbit flees the stage, leaving Navied alone. &#10;\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/lifekit\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Life Kit <\/a><br \/>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2025\/03\/20\/nx-s1-5332144\/comic-still-cringing-about-that-awkward-moment-heres-what-to-do-about-it\" data-metrics-ga4=\"{&quot;category&quot;:&quot;recirculation&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:&quot;story_recirculation_click&quot;,&quot;clickType&quot;:&quot;inset box&quot;,&quot;clickUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.npr.org\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/20\\\/nx-s1-5332144\\\/comic-still-cringing-about-that-awkward-moment-heres-what-to-do-about-it&quot;}\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">COMIC: Still cringing about that awkward moment? Here&#8217;s what to do about it<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sponsor Message<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The holidays tend to be a time for gathering, with work parties, family dinners and school showcases. And&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":357936,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[97,259,260],"class_list":{"0":"post-357935","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mental-health","8":"tag-health","9":"tag-mental-health","10":"tag-mentalhealth"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/357935","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=357935"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/357935\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/357936"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=357935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=357935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=357935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}