The Awkward Turtle

Yes, the awkward turtle. We all know him and love him as the hand gesture that appears in awkward situations after moments that leave people speechless because of omnipresent uncomfortable moments.

Many ask how the "awkward turtle" saying came into the lexicon of millions of adolescent males and females. However, I have the answer.

Years ago when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were forming their group that would one day take over Cartoon Network along with the mind's of avid Hot Topic tee-shirt shoppers, they contemplated the members of their group. Originally they had five turtles that made up the infamous group, however because of internal complications within the group, TMNT was left with 4 turtles.

The one turtle that experienced complications was named Arthur and he loved talking about uncomfortable things around other people. For instance he enjoyed talking about other teenage mutant ninja turtle's past relationships (specifically Donatello's) when their respective ex-girlfriends were in the room. After too many moments leaving the rest of the ninja turtles uncomfortably speechless, Arthur was kicked out and was forever called the awkward turtle...

So besides the moment when someone is talking about other's past relationships while their ex is in the room, here are a few other moments necessary for the infamous "awkward turtle" hands.

Walking in on Someone in a Single Person Bathroom: One of the worst feelings is not knowing if a public bathroom is a single or a multiple person bathroom. When faced with this moral dilemma you knock anyway, just to seem like a polite guy/gal. However, in a loud environment it is difficult to hear someone in the bathroom. So when in doubt, walk in...right? You could never be in a more awkward spot when you see a guy/gal in mid process in the bathroom with an confused look on their face.

Having Someone Else Catch you Looking at their Facebook Pictures: This only is awkward if you don't know that the certain someone is looking at your pics. Seeing yourself on someone else's computer from that infamous "Freeeeeakin Weeeeeeekend" album you never wanted to be a part of makes you feel a little exposed to the internet world to see.

Dancing After the Music Stops: Alright so put yourself in this situation guys...it's 7th grade and you just got invited to what is going to be the most bad-ass barmitzfah since this guy had his raging barmitzfah years ago. Once you get to the barmitzfah, you hear the catchy Usher music playing on the dancefloor. You and your buddies strut over to the dance floor and start dancing around awkwardly trying to impress the ladies. Soon the music hits you and you start going a little too crazy. Before you know it, you're alone on a silent dance floor and the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. Uncle Ernie and Auntie Sarah are taking polaroids left and right that will forever capture your awkwardness at your buddies barmitzfah. Just as the crowd was about to start chanting your name, the DJ cuts the music in the middle of your dance move and you are left standing thee alone. Mazel tov big guy.

So despite the other thousands of awkward moments that we can all think of, these are just a few that you will remembr next time you are ever in this type of situation. Next time you are thinking about throwing the "awakward turtle" hand gesture, remember and thank Arthur the Turtle for getting kicked out of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Try and make it through this music video...it will be worth it.