Shyness is the quality or state of being shy. It can be typically defined as a feeling of fear of embarrassment. Shyness involves the experience of social anxiety combined with behavioural inhibition. People who are shy are reluctant to express thoughts and feelings, become easily embarrassed, and may experience anxiety symptoms such as blushing. Experientially, it may be termed as the discomfort in interpersonal situations that interferes with pursuing of one’s professional goals. It is a form of excessive self-focus, a preoccupation with one's thoughts, feelings and physical reactions. Shyness may vary from mild social awkwardness to totally inhibiting social phobia. It may be chronic, serving as a personality trait. Metaphorically, shyness is a shrinking back from life that weakens the bonds of human connection. According to Philip Zimbardo, “What trouble me are the internet and the electronic technology revolution. Shyness is fuelled in part by so many people spending huge amounts of time alone, isolated on e-mail, in chat rooms, which reduces their face-to-face contact with other people.”
