I have found that often (but not always), individuals who claim "awkwardness" or hide behind a label of awkwardness to avoid criticism for misbehavior are, in f

I have found that often (but not always), individuals who claim "awkwardness" or hide behind a label of awkwardness to avoid criticism for misbehavior are, in fact, assholes (as this article would seem to define them). People who are truly awkward don't go around telling others how awkward they are (close friends/partners/family excepted). The difference is easy to suss out: approach the person in question, say "hey, I think behavior X is causing an issue between us, can we work on it?" and wait. If they agree to try and then actually do(even if they don't succeed), they're not an asshole. If they make excuses, or agree to change but make no visible effort, they are.