Shyness or Diffidence

Shyness or diffidence is a feeling of apprehension, lack of comfort, or awkwardness, especially around unfamiliar people or in new situations. Shy individuals may avoid situations that make them uncomfortable. While they may have low self-esteem, mainly they fear what others think of them—like being mocked, humiliated, criticized, or rejected. Forms of extreme shyness can become the more debilitating social anxiety disorder (SAD) or social phobia. Also related to shyness is timidity (worry about meeting new people), bashfulness and diffidence (reluctance in asserting oneself), apprehension and anticipation (general fear of potential interaction), and intimidation (by the fearful situation).