Shyness is a condition that afflicts people of all ages and in all walks of life. In some cases, the anxiety caused by social phobias of this nature can be so severe that it makes living a normal life virtually impossible. Fortunately, there are ways to combat shyness and get past a timid approach to life. Here are some suggestions for controlling and eventually overcoming shyness.
It is not unusual for children and adults to experience shyness when confronted with a social situation that is uncomfortable. For instance, a child may be shy when attending a new school where he or she does not have any friends or acquaintances. Unsure of the ability to make new friends, shyness acts as protective layer that prevents embarrassment. Adults may find themselves shy when called upon to provide some sort of service or function in a public setting, such as speaking before a large group of people.
One of the easiest ways to combat this type of shyness is to develop skills that can be used in those settings. As the individual begins to feel more competent to handle the demands of the situation, the shyness begins to fade and the chance for successful integration into the social climate becomes possible.
Other people simply find it difficult to relate to other persons, even within their own homes. Because they lack the self-confidence to open themselves to interaction with other people, it is important to begin the process slowly. As an example, instead of throwing a party with a large number of acquaintances present, begin by hosting a more intimate affair in the home with a select group of people that share some similar hobbies or interests with the individual. As social skills are developed in a safe setting, the introverted nature of the shyness will begin to fade. Incrementally add more acquaintances to the home events, then begin to incorporate visits with these trusted friends and relatives to other places. Slowly, the shyness will begin to fade into the background.
In some cases, the shyness will be of long duration and deeply ensconced in the personality of the individual. Gentle attention by trusted loved ones may not be enough to overcome the fear of being around other people. If that is the case, then professional counseling can often be the key to identifying the root causes of the shyness, examining them, and gradually defusing the origins of the condition. While this is not a process that often works in a short time, many people are able to utilize therapy effectively, and begin to make positive changes in the way they view themselves and the world around them.
