①Shyness can be an unhappy feeling. But the good news is that you're not alone. Scientists say that more than 40 percent of teenagers and adults consider themselves shy.
②What makes people shy? Scientists say such things as genes(基因), life experiences, and environment can influence whether a person is shy. For example, in some families, everybody seems to be shy.
③What might happen if you are shy? Well, being shy may cause you to avoid or miss opportunities you would enjoy.
④How do people overcome shyness? This is what Gilbert tells us. "When I started off trying to get over being shy, I decided to do little steps at a time, including practicing smiling and saying hi to people. And it worked for me." For most people, overcoming shyness takes time and practice. Here are some tips given by scientists.
⑤Think of what to talk about before you're in a social situation. For example, if you know your classmates are interested in an upcoming event, learn about it so you can join in the conversations.
⑥Let people know you're shy. Instead of letting people guess, tell them the truth. Explain that you're shy and feel nervous but enjoy talking to people.
⑦Make things easy for the other person. Remember, you're not the only shy person around. Doing what you think might help others feel good, for example, say hello or smile.
