Whenever we think of introverts, we usually think of someone with a shy nature, who is not quite chatty or talkative. Yet, some introverts seem to be pretty talkative. Still, this kind of introvert needs personal time to recharge their batteries.
Extreme feelings of shyness are often a sign of an anxiety condition called social phobia. People with social phobia often need the help of a therapist to overcome extreme shyness. Someone with social phobia — or extreme shyness — can overcome it! It takes time, patience, courage, and practice.
Practicing to be heard
If you are shy and want to talk to people at school or work, it's important to practice the skill of talking to others. It's a good idea to practice on a family member or a friend, somebody you have total trust in and who is willing to help you. Talk loudly enough so that people can hear you.
If you are nervous, you might frown, look worried or look away. If you are wary or uneasy, you might look guarded, defensive or cross your arms. If you feel shy or unsure, you might cover your mouth or face with your hand or look at the ground.
It belongs to a group of mental illnesses called anxiety disorders. People with social anxiety disorder feel very nervous and uncomfortable in social situations or in situations where they have to do something in front of other people, like participate in meetings or introduce themselves to new people.
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.
When you hear the word introvert, you might think of someone who's shy or quiet and prefers to be alone. While that may be true for some introverts, there's much more to this personality type. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert all depends on how you process the world around you.
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.
Most children feel shy from time to time but the lives of some are severely curtailed by their shyness. Children who suffer from extreme shyness may grow out of it as they mature or they may grow up to be shy adults. Parents can help their children to overcome mild shyness.
Although shyness is not considered a psychiatric disorder, the experience of shyness can create sufficient affective discomfort and problems in the personal, social and professional lives of shy individuals.
No correlation (positive or negative) exists between intelligence and shyness. Research indicates that shy children have a harder time expressing their knowledge in social situations (which most modern curricula utilize), and because they do not engage actively in discussions teachers view them as less intelligent.
While there are similarities between shyness and social anxiety disorder, research has shown that most people who are shy do not meet criteria for social anxiety disorder. One study found that 82% of people defined as shy, did not meet criteria for social anxiety disorder.
Although most with social anxiety experience symptoms of shyness, being shy does not mean you will have social anxiety. Less than 25% of shy individuals in the US have symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder.
He tries to impress you with his actions
A man trying to impress his crush is one of the most common signs a shy guy likes you. He may try to change his style and appearance to attract your attention. If you find him wearing new glasses, a new shirt, or a new hairstyle, he is definitely trying to make a move!
Widen your eyes, look directly at the person, smile, and nod your head if your chatting partner says something that sounds good to you. Keep your tone light and easy. This might involve raising your voice a bit. Glance away briefly when you're talking, which can make you seem shy.
In the context of psychoanalysis, the patient's feeling that they have nothing to say is often an indication of transference feelings. Sometimes the feeling that you have nothing to say is a defense against something you do not want to say. Feeling you have nothing to say is sometimes a sign of projection.
For one thing, some people are born with “high-reactive” temperaments that predispose them to both shyness and introversion. Also, a shy person may become more introverted over time; since social life is painful, she is motivated to discover the pleasures of solitude and other minimally social environments.
Boring people are predictable. They use too many tired cliches. They agree too readily and too often, and they rarely express any strong opinions of their own. Bores can sometimes be overly-solicitous—they appear too nice, always complimenting others over and over again.