What is physically happening in our bodies when we experience cringe/cringey situations?

Question

For some folks, it’s Scott’s Tots. For others, it’s remembering that really awkward and regrettable thing you said eight years ago that really doesn’t matter but you still *really* wish you never said.

Why do we get that icky, squirmy feeling when we experience something cringey? What, in our bodies, is causing that response?

In: 3

Answer 1

the adrenal gland secretes norepinephrine, to cause embarrassment, this way other members of the tribe will read your thoughts and empathize, and cooperate better.