Causes

• People are not born shy, but shyness can be caused by environmental factors, such as traumatic events, a poor self-image or a lack of social interaction during childhood. Shyness can also be the result of having depression or anxiety.
  
  

Impact

• Shyness often prohibits a person from meeting new people, starting conversations and deepening intimacy in relationships. People who are shy typically date less and avoid social situations.
  
  

Common Traits

• Common traits among people who are shy include a want, but inability, to be social, slowness warming up in social situations, and a small circle of friends.
  
  

Overcoming Shyness

• A person may overcome shyness by practicing initiating conversations with a counselor or friend, volunteering, and becoming more approachable by involving herself in other people's lives.
  
  

Social Anxiety Disorder

• A severe form of shyness is called social anxiety disorder (or social phobia). People with this disorder have an unrealistic fear and avoidance of social situations. Social situations may cause enough anxiety to trigger panic attacks.