Being that shy kid..

[stretch1967]

I just don't like being in front of a big group

[crystal80524]

I'm right there w/ you.

[renee10]

I have always been shy but it has gotten a little better with age. I feel most comfortable with family and my long time friends. It's hard to meet new people.

[sgluckadoo]

being shy (introverted) is just how some people are built, nothing to be ashamed of. If it is getting in the way of things you want to do, then it may be something worth working on, otherwise just be who you are!

[Kirenisa]

I've always been one and I don't think I'll grow out of it either.

[sak4kat]

Me too as are my 3 children.  Which is a quality I'm learning as I age isn't so bad.  My son is 14 and isn't the athletic manly type - he's a hard worker though. I just realized this summer while watching him grow into a man through a labor intensive part time job that his being the shy guy is a quality employer's admire.  As do other associates.  His #1 complain is how loud and obnoxious some kids are.  As if the need attention drawn to them.

[jennabieber]

That sounds about right. I am definitely shy, a loner, and an introvert.

[yaayme]

I'm going to be honest. I'm still that loner, shy kid.


Can't seem to break the habit.

Same...

[CharmedPhoenix]

I was the kid that hid behind mom's skirt and unfortunately my broken mom encouraged it.  My only sibling is much older so I was raised like an only child.  Mom was very sick, mentally, so she kept me isolated and did not encourage my socialization.  Today I'm choosing my battles and being a loner is not something I'm worried about.  I'm a creative and we have the internet so there's a growing place for me.  Everyone can't / doesn't need to be extroverted.   

[kapeh12]

I was a shy kid in high school, then got really bad in my early college years.  I was so painfully shy that I couldn't look at people when I talked to them.  It got so bad that one day I decided this "fear of people" I had developed wasn't healthy - and decided to take steps to get over the "fear" part of my shyness.  Being shy/a loner isn't a bad thing unless you begin developing a fear keeping you from attempting to connect to other humans.

Where I started was I took a job at a McDonald's - not just for the money, but that if forced me to look up and say "Hi.  Welcome to McDonald's.  May I take your order?" to another human being...repeatedly.  It was almost self-prescribed therapy to force me to deal with and get over the fear portion I had developed.

My best friend from college met me a year later - she was on the same dorm room floor with me and noticed we were in the same class together.  One day she followed right behind me from class, back to the dorm, right up to my room - so when I turned to close the door, she said "Hi" and introduced herself.  I had no idea she was there (that's how introverted ... and oblivious I was back then).  She was great for me - we became roommates the rest of college.  Then she got me involve with the campus ballroom dance club.

The Ballroom club did wonders in opening me up.  I really took well to that, and eventually became a teacher.  Through that club, I developed a more outgoing personality - one I could "put on" when I was in uncomfortable situations.  It was still me, but a personality I felt comfortable with to "fake it" until I no longer felt the shyness.

Now - I still get the occasional "panic" feeling when I'm in some new situation, but I've developed so many ways to get past that gut reaction, it hardly phases me anymore.  I still feel it inside, but I don't let it stop me.  Too much to do an see in this life. 

[dansazz]

I'm going to be honest. I'm still that loner, shy kid.


Can't seem to break the habit.

i tend to be the same way. Life is very plain and boring at the moment.

[autumnsparklemom]

I'm 44 with 2 kids. I am still very much shy. I rather stay at home and not deal with people.

[ro901]

Many well known comedians and actors are actually very shy. Some of the funniest people I've known are truly very shy.

[anotherlaujgirl]

being shy (introverted) is just how some people are built, nothing to be ashamed of. If it is getting in the way of things you want to do, then it may be something worth working on, otherwise just be who you are!

Thanks!