Picture this: you're mid-conversation with a coworker, partner, or close friend, and suddenly, the words stop. The pause stretches. Your mind races to fill the space. Is it awkward? Did you say ...

We go to extreme lengths to avoid it, fearing the awkwardness that can accompany it. No matter your age, gender, race, wealth, or social status, it’s something we can all say we’ve feared at one point ...