The official definition of “shy,” since it may mean different things to different people, from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is: “easily frightened,” or “disposed to avoid a person or thing,” or “hesitant in committing oneself.” The Oxford Dictionary defines shy as: “being reserved or having or showing nervousness or timidity in the company of other people.” That’s probably the definition most of you shy people can relate to.
Do you consider yourself shy? If so, are you usually shy all the time or only in specific situations? Feel free to leave a comment after you vote.
My wife tells me and others that I will talk to a fence post whether it answers back or not. So, I’m probably not shy.
Me too! lol
Retired from the military and retired from State service. Shy don’t think so.
Opposites attract; I am an extrovert and my wife is the introvert.
I don’t think so. My wife keeps telling everyone that I am her social butterfly. “Don’t know why “ 🤓
Until I get to know someone I don’t talk much. DW says after I get to know you, look out, I’ll talk your head off. Lol
Reserved but not shy.
You need one more category: Not shy but not necessarily the life of the party. I can strike up a conversation with just about anyone but I don’t have to be the center of attention.
Same here, I love to talk, but I also love to listen.
I really like Glenda’s statement. I, too, have no trouble talking to strangers, but I’m not the life of the party either. I lost that desire sometime ago and am comfortable being me!
I am more the Oxford definition than the Merriam-Webster definition. I never attempt to converse with airflight seat mates, and rarely introduce myself to those I don’t already know. Crowds make me nervous and I avoid them. I prefer small groups of 2-3, including myself. I am much more comfortable around groups when I know most, if not all, members at least somewhat.
I am an introvert but I am not shy, those are two different things.
That’s exactly what I was going to say!
Me too
The more I see of people; the more I like Dogs. No lying, thieving or duplicitous behavior. What you see is generally what you get.
I do not consider myself shy but I do consider myself reserved and friendly.
I started a lawn mowing business as a kid, called bingo on stage, and had a car and mower repair business for 35 years, so I don’t think so.
When I was young (teens, twenties) I was probably the life of the party. NOW, at 74, I’m dreadfully shy! It is actually embarrassing. Once I get to know a person the shyness lessens but, I now hate parties and I once loved them.