It's the almost inevitable nightmare.

It's the awkward and, in many cases, ironic situation and subsequent conversation that confronts almost everyone.

It may be the moment in class when you hear the name of an ex-girlfriend read off of the roster, or when some guy from some guy's party passes you on the street.

The beginning of every semester seems to be filled with suh scenarios as students return from break and are asked the pressing questions, "How was your break?" and "What did you do?"

For Liz Volpe (junior-human development and family studies), the awkwardness of such a situation is not the circumstance, but rather the sense of obligation to talk to someone she has nothing to say to.

On Tuesday, after seeing an acquaintance, she faced those nagging questions.

"We talked about what we did over break," she said.

Otherwise, the conversation was thin.

"I didn't have anything to say, but I thought I'd be courteous and say hello," Volpe said.

Mary Anne Knapp, clinical social worker and therapist at Center for Counseling and Psychological Services said awkward situations are often rooted in the past.

"It's awkward if there's unfinished business with someone you'd like to avoid but are forced to interact with," she said.

Although the situation may be discomforting, Knapp said simply recognizing the anxiety may be a good way to deal with it. Other times, she said talking openly about the awkwardness or recognizing the humor of the situation can be another cure.

"Humor gives you a different perspective," she said. "It takes you out of that trauma."

Kathleen Wood (junior-human development and family studies) said the most awkward moments come when she doesn't remember a person's name.

"I just feel real stupid, kind of embarrassed," she said.

The awkwardness of the moment gets even worse when she wants to introduce a friend, but doesn't know the other person's name.

Jeremiah Altman (senior-biology) has had similar experiences, in which the conversation is forced, and the other person's name slipped his mind.

"I've seen people I don't remember ... and kind of look for a quick line to get out," he said.

Wood said she uses a pretty standard line to escape awkward moments.

"I usually say, 'I need to go meet my roommate,' or 'I'm late,' " she said, even though she may have more than enough time get to her destination.

Not everyone, however, has experienced the awkwardness.

Tom Vazquez (freshman-secondary education) said that in his short time on campus he hasn't found himself stuck in a gawky moment, but knows he will someday find himself looking at his watch and searching for an excuse to bail out of a conversation.

"I'm sure it'll happen down the road, without a doubt," he said.