12+ Funny Things Everyone Is Secretly Guilty Of Doing

11. Eavesdropping On Conversations and Then Joining In

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Everybody here is guilty of listening in on other people's chats. But have you ever listened, then you find yourself sucked into the discussion? Realising you have been caught is an embarrassing situation from which you now have to negotiate social dynamics of participation. It is somewhat awkward as, although you are attempting to seem as though you have no idea what is happening, you have been listening to the whole conversation for the past several minutes. Uncertain of how to help without disclosing that you were covertly listening, you can experience a mix of shame and curiosity. This might cause some humorous interactions as you try to catch up on the background while yet looking laid back and involved. Perhaps you are nodding or laughing along, trying to fit right into the conversation. This encounter reminds us that occasionally curiosity can lead us into unanticipated and usually funny circumstances and emphasises the thin line separating social interaction from violation of privacy.