Shyness is the cause of much unhappiness for a great many people. Shy people are anxious and self-conscious; that is, they are excessively{{U}} (1) {{/U}}with their own appearance and actions. Worrisome thoughts are constantly occurring in their{{U}} (2) {{/U}}: What kind of impression am I making? Do they like me? Do I sound stupid? Am I{{U}} (3) {{/U}}unattractive clothes?
It is obvious that such uncomfortable feelings must affect people adversely. A person's self-concept is reflected in the way he or she behaves, and the way a person{{U}} (4) {{/U}}affects other people's{{U}} (5) {{/U}}. In{{U}} (6) {{/U}}, the way people think about{{U}} (7) {{/U}}has a profound effect on all areas of their lives.
Shy people, having low{{U}} (8) {{/U}}, are likely to be passive and easily influenced by others. They need reassurance that they are doing "the right thing." Shy people are very{{U}} (9) {{/U}}to criticism; they feel it confirms their inferiority. They also find it difficult to be pleased by compliments because they believe they are unworthy of{{U}} (10) {{/U}}. A shy person may respond to a{{U}} (11) {{/U}}with a statement like this one: "You're just saying that to make me{{U}} (12) {{/U}}good. I know it's not true." It is clear that,{{U}} (13) {{/U}}self-awareness is a healthy quality, overdoing it is harmful.
Can shyness be{{U}} (14) {{/U}}eliminated, or at{{U}} (15) {{/U}}reduced? Fortunately, people can overcome shyness with determined and patient effort in building{{U}} (16) {{/U}}. Since{{U}} (17) {{/U}}goes hand in hand with lack of self-esteem, it is important for people to accept their{{U}} (18) {{/U}}as well as their strengths. For example, most people would like to be "A" students in every subject. It is not fair for them to label themselves{{U}} (19) {{/U}}because they have difficulty in some areas. People's{{U}} (20) {{/U}}of themselves must be realistic. Living on the impossible leads to sense of inadequacy.