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Awkwardness is identified as a social emotion that arises when there’s a disconnect between one's internal self-perception and how others perceive them. This feeling typically manifests when someone perceives themselves differently from the way they think others see them, creating a gap that results in discomfort. It begins in childhood, particularly around the age of eight or nine, when self-consciousness intensifies due to the awareness of social norms and expectations. The phenomenon of the 'imaginary audience' is discussed, where individuals begin to feel scrutinized by others, often leading to a heightened sense of awkwardness in social situations.