The Zoomer Report: Flustered Equals Faithful

Are you easily embarrassed? Do you blush if you’re clumsy and trip over something in public, or if you mistake an overweight woman for being pregnant? According to research from the University of California, this is actually a sign of trustworthiness and generosity.

Researchers found that embarrassment is one emotional signature of someone you can trust with valuable resources, that it’s part of the social glue that fosters trust and cooperation in everyday life.

They say this applies equally to employment and personal settings because easily embarrassed individuals make cooperative and reliable team members.

Moreover, this character trait bodes well for dating and relationship development since subjects who were more easily embarrassed reported higher levels of monogamy.

The researchers point out that the moderate type of embarrassment they examined should not be confused with debilitating social anxiety or with shame.

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About The Zoomer Report
Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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