What's the difference between shyness and social phobia?
- Thread starter Nervous
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coriander2008
Member
Look up a definition for the word "phobia". :wink:
bulldog21083
Well-known member
It's a good question, pretty much everyone has a different opinion. I used to think I was just really shy. Then for a while I thought I might have a mild social phobia, but now I'm back to thinking I'm just shy. From what I've seen posted on this website, most people feel that whenever you're in a social situation you get physical symptoms if you have a social phobia (like a racing heart beat, sweaty hands, unable to make eye contact, etc). I think that if you are just shy you may not be very talkative, but you don't really have any physical symptoms.
I'm 25 years old. I think my problem has gotten worse with age, but it's probably a little better now than it was a few years ago. I know when I was really little I would always talk to people while I stared at the ground. That was when I was real little though and I stopped that habbit fairly quickly. If I'm with one of my closest friends or with my family, I don't think I'm shy at all. I'm a little quiet around people I kind of know, but my main problem is when I'm around a group of people I don't know. I don't really get any physical symptoms, I'm just a little mentaly uncomfortable. Basically I just get really self-conscious.
I'm 25 years old. I think my problem has gotten worse with age, but it's probably a little better now than it was a few years ago. I know when I was really little I would always talk to people while I stared at the ground. That was when I was real little though and I stopped that habbit fairly quickly. If I'm with one of my closest friends or with my family, I don't think I'm shy at all. I'm a little quiet around people I kind of know, but my main problem is when I'm around a group of people I don't know. I don't really get any physical symptoms, I'm just a little mentaly uncomfortable. Basically I just get really self-conscious.
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worrywort
Well-known member
I've always prefered the term "social anxiety disorder" rather than "social phobia" or "shyness", because when I think of shy people, I imagine a timid nature. But often I find in certain situations that I happen to be comfortable in, I'm not timid at all. Even social situations, when I have something to say, I can say it fairly firmly.....And "social phobia" makes me think of other phobias, like heights or spiders or ghosts. It implies some kind of terror, whereas what I more accurately feel is confusion and sadness and worry and condemnation....and I think the term "social anxiety disorder" most accurately captures this feeling.
knightbird123
Member
I think shyness and social anxiety are the same.
Shyness is merely a term used for children and preteens. Once a person nears their early adult years, the term shyness will take on a whole other meaning.
During social development, a person's shyness is expected fade away around their late teen years. If the shyness persists well into adulthood then the individual might be viewed as not being fully matured/developed and that will cause problems in the long run.
If a kid is viewed as being shy, its not a big deal......however if an adult is viewed as being shy, it becomes more of a serious matter.
Our culture plays a big role in judging what is acceptable and what is not. Mentioning to someone that your 45 yr old male friend is very shy would definitely put a negative stain on that friend however when it comes to children and even women it is more understandable and accepted/viewed in a neutral. light.
Ultimately, I think men have it worse than women when it comes to our society being in acceptance for shyness. Shy men probably get the worst rap.
Shyness is merely a term used for children and preteens. Once a person nears their early adult years, the term shyness will take on a whole other meaning.
During social development, a person's shyness is expected fade away around their late teen years. If the shyness persists well into adulthood then the individual might be viewed as not being fully matured/developed and that will cause problems in the long run.
If a kid is viewed as being shy, its not a big deal......however if an adult is viewed as being shy, it becomes more of a serious matter.
Our culture plays a big role in judging what is acceptable and what is not. Mentioning to someone that your 45 yr old male friend is very shy would definitely put a negative stain on that friend however when it comes to children and even women it is more understandable and accepted/viewed in a neutral. light.
Ultimately, I think men have it worse than women when it comes to our society being in acceptance for shyness. Shy men probably get the worst rap.
