Being shy has more downfalls than it does perks. For some people there's a feeling of fear that encourages their quietness. For others, they just simply don't feel the need to be outspoken. Most extroverted people think that being shy is a choice, like you can just flip a switch in your brain and you're automatically outgoing. But if you're introverted like me, we both know that's not the case.
Being a college student is pretty difficult as it is, but throwing shyness into the mix makes things a little bit harder. The one thing that bothers me more than anything is when people make comments saying, "why are you being so antisocial?" or "you're so shy, you should talk more!" But the thing is, it's never that easy. I won't wake up one day and decide to be outgoing and fearless. Sometimes it feels like being shy is like an obstacle that can't be overcome.
Introversion seems so looked down upon in our modern day society. Outgoing, outspoken, talkative people seem to be put on a pedestal because they have good communication skills. Shy people have good qualities as well, though. Introverts tend to be more observant and compassionate for other people. I believe introverts don't get enough credit. Just because someone doesn't feel comfortable being super talkative with someone they don't know very well doesn't mean they aren't talkative around people they're comfortable with.
Moving into my next point, many people think introverts aren't comfortable around anyone; which is far from the truth. Speaking from an introverts perspective, I'm completely comfortable around my friends and family. It's just public places and new faces that cause me to be shy. It gets old when classmates or new people at social gatherings recite the same saying of "are you always this shy?" because the answer is no.
While there are perks of being shy, there are also downfalls. For whatever the reasons may be, being shy is looked upon as "rare" and "unwanted." All that I could wish for is that every personality type is accepted, especially at such an essential growing and maturing time in our lives; college.
Sheetal Tadiparty
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