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. Genetics. Our genes determine our physical traits, like height, eye color, skin color, and body type.
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.
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.
Probably around 15-20 percent of children are born with a temperament that leads to behavior often labeled as shy, reserved, fearful, or timid. The temperament we are born with is an important aspect of the adults we will become but it doesnt determine our destiny.
Shyness is a response to fear, and research suggests that although there is a neurobiology of shyness—the behavioral repertoire is orchestrated by a specific circuit of neurons in the brain—it is also strongly influenced by parenting practices and life experiences.
Most people find that the more they practice socializing, the easier it gets. Practicing social skills — like assertiveness; conversation; and friendly, confident body language — can help people overcome shyness, build confidence, and get more enjoyment from everyday experiences.
Practice social behaviors like eye contact, confident body language, introductions, small talk, asking questions, and invitations with the people you feel most comfortable around. Smile. Build your confidence this way. Then branch out to do this with new friends, too.
Shy children are, more often than not, some of the most intelligent and creative kids we see in our performing arts school. They are naturally observant and analytical, and they invariably make fantastic team players due to their ability to spot how others feel and interpret group dynamics.
Shyness doesn't always go away over time, but children can learn to be more confident and comfortable interacting with other people.
It's generally around the age of 2 or 3 that true shyness begins to emerge. Children at this age start to develop a sense of self, become aware of what others think, and see the effect they have on others. Here are some of the causes of shyness in children. Shyness may just be part of your little one's temperament.
As a result, children who are raised by authoritarian parents tend to shy away from expressing their emotions and may be emotionally withdrawn.
On average, shyness was moderately stable over time (r = 0.23–0.33) and this stability was almost entirely accounted for by genetic factors. Genetic factors at age 6 accounted for 44% of individual differences and these early genetic factors also explained individual differences at all subsequent ages (6–22%).
Women report themselves to be higher in neuroticism, agreeableness and more shy and anxious, whereas men report themselves to be higher in assertiveness (Costa et al., 2001). It is postulated that gender creates a huge amount of difference between male and female.
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.
In fact, psychologists have consistently found that both men and women rate humility as one of the most desirable traits in a partner. And what group of people are much more likely than average to have this highly sought-after trait? Yep, shy people.
Most of the time, no. But when it becomes anxiety, watch out.
The critical thing to remember is that shyness isn't a mental health disorder or a permanent personality trait. But extreme shyness could be a symptom of social phobia (a type of social anxiety disorder).
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.
Gifted children may hold back in situations, waiting to assess all implications before acting, which can make them seem socially inept or shy.
The shy children did show delays in their spoken language compared with more outgoing kids, the researchers found. But there was no such link between temperament and receptive language, or how much language a child understands. Furthermore, the lack of speaking wasn't related to any actual language impediment.
They have a quick wit.
Someone who spends a lot of time speaking can obviously think fast on their feet. For that reason, talkative kids will likely be wittier than most of their peers, quick to crack jokes and entertain their friends. That's good, because humor is a key to success.
Some girls may like shy guys, while others may not, just as some women may prefer outgoing men to those who are more reserved. Moreover, some women may like certain shy men and dislike others, choosing to focus on a person as a whole rather than a small sliver of someone's personality.
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.
To overcome shyness, you'll need to understand the circumstances that trigger your shyness, work to change your mental state and perspective regarding those circumstances, and practice putting yourself in comfortable and uncomfortable situations until you've worked through the worries holding you back.