Susan Cain was a shy girl. She always had a hard time talking with new people. But when she grew up, she became a reporter. But Susan thought that her shyness made her a better reporter. "Being shy makes me more believable — people feel more comfortable around me,” she said.
The Shyness Institute reports that almost half of all people say that they are shy. Some people are not shy when they are with their friends. For other people, shyness can be a mental (精神的) problem. They become so worried that they cannot speak in front of people.
But why are some people shy?
Scientists once did a study on two-month-old babies. They found that of every five babies, one was very active And one of every five babies was always quiet. These babies might be shy when they grew up.
Family also affects (影响) shyness. Studies show that children who are shy usually have parents that have fewer friends and fewer family activities.
People who are outgoing are sometimes more successful. Shy people may feel that they have a disadvantage (不利因素). But shyness can be an advantage. They are good friends because they listen more than they talk. This can also make them successful.
| A. For example, children who are always criticized (批评) by their family can become shy. B. This kind of baby liked to make noise. C. Shy people are often very good at listening. D. This job is usually for a person who likes to talk in front of people. E. But when they are in a new environment, they become afraid. |
