<p>I admit to being shy when younger. Now, I am not so shy when dealing with individuals, but still kind of hang back in big groups.</p>
<p>I found my shyness made me very self-centered--it's all about me--I'M uncomfortable, etc. When I went into social situations with the mindset of "Is there anyone here who isn't participating and what can I do to help them feel more comfortable?", I forgot to be shy. Thinking outside myself and thinking of others really helped me...and I hope it really helped all of those "others" who may have been less shy than me if they could only have seen inside my soul.</p>