<p>Wow, a lot of people on this thread sound exactly like me/ are describing exactly what I feel like. I too, am very shy and can relate to everybody on this thread. It's strange, because I don't know quite when it started-but in elementary school I was very talkative/outgoing. But in the last couple of years, people always tell me I'm to "quiet" and "shy". I think I've become more shy as I got older because I've become more introverted as I matured (now I reflect a lot, think about things, spend a lot of time alone). </p>
<p>Also, I have grown to prefer this "quietness" and don't really like talking to people as much. I don't know what to say a lot of the time, and sometimes hold a sentence I thinking about saying in my head for minutes before actually saying it aloud.</p>
<p>I'm not good at talking to strangers. It's just some skill I lack. If you were to put me in a room full of people that don't know each other, I would probably be the last one to make friends (not because I'm weird or something, just because I'm not comfortable going up to strangers and engaging in conversation). I remember always being shy around adults, and in the last couple of years it has morphed to being shy around everyone I don't know. </p>
<p>But when I am with close friends, I talk a lot. But sometimes I hardly utter a word if I am with people I don't know/like. I've noticed particulary that I am quiet when I play sports- on my soccer teams I'm always known as the "nice, quiet girl who never talks"</p>
<p>Similarly, I never raise my hand in class, and hate being called upon. I used to get so nervous for speeches, (turn red, stutter) but now I am much, much better with public speaking (though I don't enjoy it) and hardly get nervous. And I equally hate sharing my work-such as writing (which I love to do) with anyone. I delibarate for days on whether to show even my mom or sister a piece I have written. </p>
<p>I really don't know what to do about this shyness. Being a "people" person is essential, and can help so much in life. I've noticed that it's one of the most important things to have is charisma and stuff, but I simply don't have it. I was thinking about maybe a business career earlier, but have realized that that is a career that is especially essential to connect with strangers (something I dread doing), so maybe it is something not best for me. </p>
<p>I'm worried how this shyness will translate when I go for interviews/ try to get recommendations. Perhaps I will always be like this, but I guess it's a part of me. Not everybody can be outgoing.</p>
<p>Wow, what a long post...will stop now.</p>