Difference Between Shyness and Social Anxiety

Shyness is nervousness and discomfort around people (usually new people) that generally fades once you get comfortable.

Social Anxiety heavily impacts your life by causing extreme anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social situations.

Shyness and social anxiety are almost the same but social anxiety is an extreme level of shyness. 

Here are some differences between Shyness and Social Anxiety

Shy people may feel uncomfortable by other people, especially in new situations or among strangers. Shy people have a remarkable potential to get rid of disturbing emotions and physical signs of anxiety when the environment or situation becomes familiar.

Social anxiety may either remain unchanged or get worsened even when the environment or situation becomes familiar.

People with social anxiety disorder endure high levels of anxiety in daily activities, and this high level of anxiety makes them avoid situations in which they would like to participate.

Social anxiety disorder is not considered a “normal” facet of personality, or a personality

characteristic, whereas shyness is. In fact, people who are shy may view this condition as a positive quality, whereas a person with social anxiety disorder would not describe their condition positively.

Being shy can complicate your life when you are in social situations but social anxiety stops you from living freely. 

Is Shyness part of Social anxiety ?

No, Shyness and social anxiety disorder are two different things. Shyness is considered a normal personality trait_ that combines the experience of social anxiety. Many people who are shy do not have the negative emotions and feelings that accompany social anxiety disorder. They live a normal life, and do not view shyness as a negative trait.

While some people with social anxiety disorder are shy, shyness is not a prerequisite for social anxiety disorder. In fact some people with social anxiety may not be shy at all. They can be completely at ease with people most of the time, but particular situations, such as walking down an aisle in public or making a speech, can give them intense anxiety.

Generally, people with shyness experience lower severity of symptoms. Most don’t experience any disruptions to their daily life compared to people with social anxiety. Avoidance of social activities is also much less common with those who are shy.

Although most with social anxiety experience symptoms of shyness, being shy does not mean you will have social anxiety. Less than 25% of shy individuals in the US have symptoms that meet the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder.

Don’t forget to love yourself. Happy reading! 🙂