Is shyness neccesarily a bad thing?

Question

maybe shyness isnt bad. but its society that is bad. maybe we are the only normal people out there. people associate shyness with weakness and same goes for kindness. i wonder why that is so. people may say, dont be a doormat for others. but what if there were no people to step on the doormats. and there only existed doormats. not only would the doormats become more assertive since no one is stepping on them, people would be much nicer. so is the problem shyness? or the society that shy people are forced to live in?

Answer 1

I grew up being told there was something wrong with me because I was quiet and shy. However I never had any problems associating with people. My family always wanted me to "be more outgoing," which I didn't get because I am actually pretty friendly and am usually the one to initiate a conversation or a friendship. I guess I just was not, and still am not particularly comfortable in my own skin. It was a no win situation. If I expressed an idea or an interest that people thought was uncharacteristic of me they didn't take me seriously. I was actually in the chorus in school because I thoroughly enjoyed it even though it meant that I would have to be onstage performing a lot. Public speaking and performing is certainly not my most favorite thing, but it wasn't enough to keep me from doing something I loved.  I did try the drama club, but it wasn't quite as fun and people just "knew" I dropped out because of my "painful" shyness and they were like "We just have to make her less shy and more outgoing!"  I never felt like people saw me as an individual. I was this social case to be worked on and made into something else.  Anyway, bottom line, parents treat your kids with respect and love. They are who they are, while they can outgrow most of their shyness it will probably mostly be a part of them. Accept them as individuals who matter and are worth it.

Answer 2

I think only if excessive or extreme and if it prevents socializing altogether.  As I discovered, your society point is valid.  I have always been quiet and what others may call shyness and I felt many did not understand and that I was weird for being like I was/am.  I also have alot of Norwegian genetics in me and I finally learned that that nationality has a non-expressive way about them, it is in their genetic makeup.  So, if I lived in that society I would probably have fit in better and not have been labeled quiet and shy.

Answer 3

No it itsn bad.

Its just the way ppl are. There are alot of personalaties and shyness is one of them.

Society just needs to accept that, n not ignore them or treat them any diffrent.

Answer 4

Wow, this is an extremely good question and gives one food for thought.

Having suffered from shyness as a child and teen, however, I must say that it was not a great place to be.  Feeling self-conscious, having a low self-esteem, bad self imagine, blushing painfully on receiving any attention - it was not an enjoyable experience at all and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Answer 5

It was and still is for me.I've missed out on alot of wonderful opportunities due to my shyness.I'm so glad my children aren't shy because it's not fun at all but I must say since having my children I have come out of my shell alot or when they're with me.

Answer 6

if you want to change you city, change the world or change your job, it is good to speak up...and NOBODY SHOULD BE A DOORMAT.NOBODY.............