WHAT SHYNESS IS & WHAT IT ISN’T

“Scientists have found the gene for shyness. They would have found it
years ago, but it was hiding behind a couple of other genes.” - Jonathan Katz


Shyness is an ever-increasing problem and fostered, many feel, by the
technology available nowadays. Online dating, email, and virtual anonymity are
realities in today’s world. For most of us, these are merely conveniences; but for
many, these are simply ways to avoid directly connecting to others. They are
literally in hiding from the world. Reaching out and touching someone is terrifying
to the seriously shy and socially phobic. There’s much less awkwardness when
dealing with others via the internet. No one would see them or hear them; they
feel safe.


For many, it’s only in unfamiliar situations that they show symptoms of
shyness. They’re perfectly fine in normal situations; they know how to act and
what to say. Anything different throws them for a loop and into a panic. A
crowded room becomes a scene of terror for the socially phobic.


The problem is they tend to avoid the unfamiliar at all costs. The more
they avoid it, the worse the fear becomes. By not allowing themselves to
experience something new, they are in fact perpetuating the fear.


Shyness occurs in different degrees, in different people. There are actors
who may be bold and outgoing on camera, but become shy and soft-spoken
when speaking one-on-one with an interviewer. Some people might be open and

comfortable with their own gender, but become absolutely tongue-tied around the
opposite sex. There are others who are happy and outgoing with their friends and
family, and clam up anytime strangers enter the picture.


Most people attempt to hide their shyness and many may not even appear
to be shy, nervous, or ill at ease. However, attempting to hide the shyness does
not lessen the suffering it causes. It’s always there, under the surface, no matter
how hard they try to hide their misery.


As for what causes shyness, it can vary. One of the hypotheses is that
shyness is at least partially genetic. If your parents were shy, there’s a great
chance you might also be a bit shy. Another is that it has a great deal to do with
the environment in which one is raised. If your parents were very strict and
unforgiving, it could cause you to be shy, especially around authority figures.


Shyness can develop in a person’s life after harsh treatment on the part of
teachers or fellow students. You may have been laughed at, ridiculed, or
tormented by others. This creates an innate shyness, which is very difficult to rid
yourself of later. Each time you find yourself in a similar situation, you may
experience the same feelings of anxiety.


Yet another cause of shyness could very well be due to brain chemistry or
reactivity, which is your inborn temperament; you may just be more sensitive
about your behavior, more easily embarrassed than others may be.


You may possess a faulty idea of who you are; your own self-perceptions
can cause you to feel shy in certain circumstances. You may have a problem
adapting to new situations, or you may be going through some life transition,
such as a divorce, a new job, new school, or maybe you’re recently widowed. All
these things can change your life to such a degree that you no longer feel
comfortable in certain situations.


Whether it is nature or nurture, shyness evolves as we grow older and
have to face new and different circumstances and challenges. Many people go
through different phases of shyness and even grow out of it. Unfortunately,
others may experience such disappointments and traumas that they just give up
hope and withdraw from the world.


Shyness vs. Social Anxiety

Shyness, which starts with self-consciousness, should not be confused
with social phobia. Young people may experience shyness, since they are trying
to develop their social skills, but it usually dissipates as they mature and grow.
It’s not so much a matter of overcoming shyness, as it is learning to be more
comfortable in social situations.


Shyness is not the same thing as social phobia or social anxiety. Shyness
can be dealt with more easily; you can learn how to handle social occasions with
grace and dispense with self-consciousness. New situations might cause you to
feel a little nervous, until you learn how to handle them. The trick is not to let
them control you. Once you get used to something, it ceases to be frightening; it
becomes more familiar and you start to feel more comfortable in that situation.


Social phobia tends to influence your entire life. You begin to avoid all
social occasions because you don’t feel safe or comfortable. Avoidance becomes
a habit that’s impossible to break; it builds on itself. Before you know it, you’re
avoiding everything that frightens you and everything frightens you, so you
become totally isolated. It’s true that no man (or woman) is an island. We need
interaction in this world; we need each other.


Introverts & Extroverts

According to Carl Jung, whether you’re an introvert or extrovert depends
on your psychic energy. A person whose energy flows outward is an extrovert; if
it flows inward, he’s an introvert. Modern psychologists consider this whole
theory to be obsolete. In this day and age, it’s more a matter of feeling energized
in particular situations.


One study discovered that introverts have more blood flow in the frontal
lobes of their brain and the frontal thalamus. These are areas that deal with
internal processing, such as memory and problem solving. Extroverts have more
blood flow in anterior cingulated gyrus, temporal lobes and posterior thalamus,
which deal with sensory processing, such as listening and watching.


Introverts tend to be completely or at least predominately concerned with
their own mental processes. They are generally quiet, laid back, careful and
deliberate, and tend to avoid social situations. They are more likely to enjoy
activities such as reading, writing, designing, even inventing. The introvert enjoys
their own company more than that of others, though they may have a small circle
of close friends with whom they interact.


Extroverts are mostly involved with gaining satisfaction from outside
themselves. They enjoy interactions with others and are talkative, assertive, and
enthusiastic. They like nothing better than getting together with others in large
social gatherings, such as parties, community activities, and business gatherings.
Any high-energy activity with lots of people is right up their alley.


Introverts often appear reserved and thoughtful, and enjoy the company of
friends one at a time, as opposed to large groups. They prefer peace and quiet,
to concentrate and contemplate on their lives. Unexpected visits are frowned
upon; introverts consider this an unwarranted intrusion into their quiet
surroundings. They may have difficulty making new business contacts and
friends, but they work well when they’re alone. Unfortunately, they often appear
cold or standoffish to others, making it difficult to get to know them.


Extroverts love busyness and constant action, and often take the initiative.
They make friends easily and adapt to new situations without problems.
Comparing opinions with those of others is of great interest to extroverts and
indeed, they take an interest in everything around them. Extroverts are thought of
as being more warm, gregarious and assertive, real excitement seekers, and are
often sought out by others.


It’s hard to imagine an extrovert as being shy, but it can happen. Given a
new situation and people, they are often a bit shy, until they warm up to the new
scenario. Shyness should not be confused with introversion or extroversion.
Actually, introverts and extroverts both can be shy. In addition, keep in mind that
all introverts aren’t necessarily shy either; they are simply not comfortable being
the life of the party.


It should be kept in mind that there is no magic pill to cure shyness,
because it’s not a disease. It should not be considered a character flaw either.
It’s not a mental defect, an emotional disorder, and certainly not a neurosis. You
can’t necessarily talk yourself out of being shy. There are ways to counteract
your shyness, which we’ll be discussing later in this report, but it will take longterm
work to deal with your shyness, since it is tied to your deepest thoughts,
emotions, and fears.

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