Shyness

In humans, shyness is a feeling of insecurity or awkwardness that certain people experience while being among others, talking with others, asking favors of others, etc. Shyness is most likely to occur during unfamiliar situations. Since many shy people thus avoid these situations in order to avoid feeling uncomfortable and inept, the situation remains unfamiliar and the shyness perpetuates itself. Shyness may also fade with time. A child who is shy toward strangers, for instance, may eventually come to lose this trait when older.

The problem of shyness can either involve having trouble thinking of what to say in social situations or involve crippling physical manifestations of uneasiness. Shyness usually involves a combination of both symptoms. For a shy person, these effects can be quite devastating.

Behavioural traits in social situations, such as smiling, thinking of suitable conversational topics, assuming a relaxed posture and making good eye-contact, which come spontaneously for the average person, may be relatively absent for a shy person.

People experience shyness to different degrees. For example, an actor may be loud and bold on stage, but shy in an interview. In addition, people may feel shy around certain people and not others. For instance, one may be outgoing with friends, but experience love-shyness toward potential partners.

Shy people tend to perceive their own shyness as a negative trait and many people are uneasy with shyness, especially in cultures that value individuality and taking charge. On the other hand, many shy people are perceived to be good listeners and are more likely to think before they speak. Furthermore, boldness, the opposite of shyness, may cause its own problems, such as impertinence or inappropriate behavior.

The initial cause of shyness can vary. Scientists have located some genetic data that supports the hypothesis that shyness is at least partially genetic. However, there is also evidence that the environment in which a person is raised can affect their shyness. Shyness can originate after a person has experienced a physical anxiety reaction; at other times, shyness seems to develop first and then later causes physical symptoms of anxiety.

Shyness differs from social anxiety, which is an experience of fear, apprehension or worry regarding social situations and being evaluated by others.

Often, shyness may be mistaken with aggressivity, arrogance, or introversion due to the shy person's attempts to avoid the uneasy situation.

Shyness is due to feeling uncomfortable around others, or to have a sense of fear of other people in a social enviroment. This may be anywhere, from talking face-to-face to socialising with others online. Timidness, apprehension, intimidation, anticipation and other feelings can be directly responsible for shyness in these situations.

...More at Wikipedia

Related Links:

• The Shyness Home Page
• Shy and Free

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