When Someone Else Freezes — illustration

An Ember · August 22, 2026

When Someone Else Freezes

Lately at work, when people share their opinions, sometimes a coworker gets halfway through speaking and suddenly doesn’t know what to say next. When that happens, I feel their “social death” for them. I end up feeling embarrassed on their behalf.

Lately at work, when people share their opinions, sometimes a coworker gets halfway through speaking and suddenly doesn’t know what to say next. When that happens, I feel their “social death” for them. I end up feeling embarrassed on their behalf.