People who are shy often hesitate before trying something new. They often prefer watching others before joining in on a group activity. They usually take longer to warm up to new people and situations. Sometimes being quiet and introverted is a sign that someone has a naturally shy personality.
Shyness may come from genetic traits, the environment in which a person is raised and personal experiences. Shyness may be a personality trait or can occur at certain stages of development in children.
When shyness is not extreme, it can make you appear more approachable to others. Shyness, and the modesty and self-effacing nature that go with it, are rarely threatening to others and may allow people to feel more comfortable around you.
Is shyness necessarily a bad thing? Chloe Foster, a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma in London, says shyness in itself is quite common and normal and doesn't cause problems unless it develops into more of a social anxiety.
The notion that people are born shy is simply a belief about shyness, not a fact, about shyness. There are many things shy individuals can do to control their shyness instead of letting their shyness control them--biology is not destiny.
Shyness is partly a result of genes a person has inherited. It's also influenced by behaviors they've learned, the ways people have reacted to their shyness, and life experiences they've had.
Shyness doesn't always go away over time, but children can learn to be more confident and comfortable interacting with other people.
Quiet people are more likely to be introverts than extroverts and tend to be more creative and sensitive than the average person. They also tend to be private people who don't like being in large crowds or socializing much at all unless it's necessary for work or school.
A shy person might feel anxious in new or social situations, and tend to worry about what other people think of them. Sometimes, shyness can mean that a person also experiences physical symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, or a stomachache when faced with certain situations.
Shy people don't think they're more important than others
But it is a trait that most of us find very likable and attractive in others. In fact, psychologists have consistently found that both men and women rate humility as one of the most desirable traits in a partner.
There's a lot of evidence out there that shows introverted people are more intelligent on average. For example, a study done by The Gifted Development Center showed that 60 percent of gifted children are introverts. Studies also show that introverts are more verbally intelligent than extroverts.
Severely shy people may have physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, a pounding heart or upset stomach; negative feelings about themselves; worries about how others view them; and a tendency to withdraw from social interactions.
Some men may see shy women as aloof and disinterested, while others find them mysterious and innocent, triggering their protective instincts. Shy girls may seem mysterious or intriguing. Some men find shy women appealing and feminine. Shy women may appear to have innocent charm.
Shy people showed a lower self-esteem and self-presentation, and displayed higher self-deprecation. Moreover, individuals with higher levels of self-esteem revealed a higher self-presentation and lower self-deprecation.
Introverts are self-sufficient, and it's why they're so quiet. A quiet person's personality is inward, which means they naturally search themselves for comfort. Since they keep a small circle, they develop the habit of self-reliance by finding ways to cater to their needs.
An introvert is a person with qualities of a personality type known as introversion, which means that they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what's happening externally.
Plus, some introverts can have just as much charisma, ambition, and fortitude as any extroverted leader. In fact, “a really smart introverted leader can be more successful than anybody else,” says Linda Henman, author of Challenge the Ordinary and Landing in the Executive Chair.
Quiet people have power because they are willing to spend more time and energy on self-reflection, which helps to know oneself, practice self, stimulate potential, and improve self-personality.
Those who are extroverted, sensing, feeling, and judging are often identified as one of the kindest types by experts. "ESFJs have extroverted feeling as a dominant cognitive function," Gonzalez-Berrios says. "This makes them rule by their hearts. They are kind, polite, friendly, and sensitive."
The Anarchist.
This rebellious personality type is perhaps one of the most exasperating to manage. These types enjoy behaving recklessly and acting out in ways others find off-putting, uncomfortable or even obscene. This type of person has a difficult time socializing with others and are quick to boredom.
Their shyness may also be a result of their symptoms. A person with Inattentive ADHD type can easily feel embarrassed due to inattention, so they may choose to stay quiet and avoid any possible wrongdoings or mistakes ❌.
Possible causes of shyness
Personality – emotionally sensitive and easily intimidated babies are more likely to grow up to be shy children. Learned behaviour – children learn by imitating their most influential role models: their parents. Shy parents may 'teach' shyness to their children by example.
In many cases, social awkwardness comes from extreme anxiety. Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 12.1% of U.S. adults experience a social anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.