Secondhand embarrassment is the feeling of discomfort or awkwardness that one experiences when witnessing someone else's embarrassing situation. This emotional response often occurs when a person observes another struggling socially, making a mistake, or facing an awkward moment, leading to a sense of empathy or vicarious embarrassment. This phenomenon can happen in various settings, such as during a public speech, a comedy show, or even in everyday interactions. People may react by cringing, laughing nervously, or feeling a strong urge to help the person in distress. It highlights the social nature of human emotions and our tendency to connect with others' experiences.