Shyness is the cause of much unhappiness for a great many people. Shy people are anxious and self-conscious; that is, they are excessively (1) with their own appearance and actions. Worrisome thoughts are constantly occurring in their (2) : What kind of impression am I making? Do they like me? Do I sound stupid? Am I (3) 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 (4) affects other people´s (5) . In (6) , the way people think about (7) has a profound effect on all areas of their lives.
Shy people, having low (8) , are likely to be passive and easily influenced by others. They need reassurance that they are doing "the right thing. " Shy people are very (9) 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 (10) . A shy person may respond to a (11) with a statement like this one: " You´re just saying that to make me (12) good. I know it´s not true. " It is clear that, (13) self-awareness is a healthy quality, overdoing it is harmful.
Can shyness be (14) eliminated, or at (15) reduced? Fortunately, people can overcome shyness with determined and patient effort in building (16) . Since (17) goes hand in hand with lack of self-esteem, it is important for people to accept their (18) 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 (19) because they have difficulty in some areas. People´s (20) of themselves must be realistic. Living on the impossible leads to sense of inadequacy.