Something most of us never want but regularly need. Basically a rude awakening is a kind of unwanted unsublte enlightenment which leaves you mentally staggering. However, rude awakenings are almost always necessary, and you usually learn something you should have known prior to that moment. For example, I received a rude awakening when I discovered that I wasn't as good with women in real life as I was... oh wait... I don't have any comparison. Sheesh!! What a rude awakening I just had!