Shyness is the cause of much unhappiness for a great many people. Shy people are anxious and self-conscious; that is, they are excessively【C1】______ with their own appearance and actions. Worrisome thoughts are constantly occurring in their【C2】______: What kind of impression am I making? Do they like me? Do I sound stupid? Am I 【C3】______ unattractive clothes?
It is obvious that such uncomfortable feelings must affect people adversely. A person’s self-concept is reflected in the way he or she behaves, and the way a person【C4】______affects other people’s【C5】______. In【C6】______, the way people think about【C7】______has a profound effect on all areas of their lives.
Shy people, having low【C8】______, are likely to be passive and easily influenced by others. They need reassurance that they are doing “the right thing. “ Shy people are very【C9】______to criticism; they feel it confirms their inferiority. They also find it difficult to be pleased by compliments because they believe they are unworthy of【C10】______. A shy person may respond to a【C11】______with a statement like this one: “ You’re just saying that to make me【C12】______good. I know it’s not true. “ It is clear that, 【C13】______self-awareness is a healthy quality, overdoing it is harmful.
Can shyness be【C14】______eliminated, or at【C15】______reduced? Fortunately, people can overcome shyness with determined and patient effort in building【C16】______. Since【C17】______goes hand in hand with lack of self-esteem, it is important for people to accept their 【C18】______as well as their strengths. For example, most people would like to be “A“ students in every subject. It is not fair for them to label themselves【C19】______because they have difficulty in some areas. People’s【C20】______of themselves must be realistic. Living on the impossible leads to sense of inadequacy.
