So much second-hand embarrassment

I really love this movie and since childhood, I've watched it many, many times but, there is one huge problem with it that I've always hated and that is all of second-hand embarrassment that we are put through during the course of the movie. Some of the scenes are funny like when Julia takes over Thomas' body during a meeting at his job, or it's very heart-warming like when Thomas is taken over by Penny and she hugs Billy and whispers the words, "I was always with you". Billy looked so confused and even angered by that, and it made what could've been a better scene into something that was super awkward and weird. I totally understand that Penny just had to hug her son and tell him those words but, it's still just awful to watch.

I can understand a few of the awkward moments that are cringe-worthy for the audience but, not all of them. i just don't see the point in having Thomas go through so many un-explainably embarrassing scenes and have him come off as being a crazy person when the movie is suppossed to be focused more on his spirit friends finding closure before they go off forever to be re-incarnated.