Personality Blog

Shyness can limit ones enjoyment of life, or if the symptoms are extreme, it can make life excruciating miserable. Symptoms of extreme shyness may meet the criteria for Social Phobia. Social Phobia is defined as (in the DSM IV TR): One strongly, repeatedly fears at least one social or performance situation that involves facing a stranger or being watched by others. Also, the person specifically fears showing anxiety symptoms or behaving in some other way that will be embarrassing or humiliating. The phobic stimulus almost always causes anxiety. The person realizes that the reaction is out of proportion. The person either avoids the feared situation or endures it with extreme distress. These fears and discomforts interfere with the person’s usual routines of social, job or personal functioning.

If you are concerned about shyness take our test, Do You Dance on Tables? You will learn more about shyness and what you can do to improve the quality of your life if you are intensely introverted. Remember, you are not alone, about 40 of every 100 Americans describe themselves as shy. Seventy-five percent of those individuals believe shyness is a personal problem. However, many are secure in their shyness and see it as a positive trait. They enjoy their own company and solitary pursuits. Shyness is definitely in the eye of the beholder.