
Blushing feels terrible when you're trying to impress someone.
But research suggests visible embarrassment can communicate that someone recognizes they've violated a social expectation and cares about how others perceive them.
People displaying embarrassment can sometimes be judged as more trustworthy or prosocial.
So turning red after saying something awkward on a date isn't necessarily making the situation worse.
Your involuntary embarrassment may actually signal that you care about the interaction.
© University of California, Berkeley