5 Ways Shyness Can Make You More Likable
Far from being a flaw, shyness can make you more attractive and relatable
I recently learned that around 50% of people identify as shy. It made me wonder — if so many people are shy, then why is shyness often perceived as a flaw rather than a normal aspect of human existence?
Why is every discussion of shyness focused on how to “fix” it and eliminate it at all costs?
Maybe I’m biased, but I’ve personally never understood why so many people think shyness is a negative trait — I’ve always felt a strong affinity towards shy people.
As a child, I myself was painfully shy. Every single day at school, I was bombarded with questions and comments that insinuated that shy is the worst thing you can possibly be.
Why the hell are you so quiet? It’s weird. Why don’t you just come out of your shell and be normal?
I became less shy over time (partly because I forced myself to change), so by the time high school came around, I wasn’t harassed for being “weird” anymore.
But I’m still an introvert, and I still have a major soft spot in my heart for shy people. And I’m not alone — many people feel that shy folks have an intangible appeal that other people don’t have.
