"Aw don't be so shy."

"You're really quiet, but I'm gonna change that."

"You should talk more often."

All of these statements have one terrible thing in common: they insinuate that being shy is a bad thing. Growing up, I was a really shy child, and I would still consider myself a pretty shy person today. However, from an early age, my mom explained to me that although I would hear the type of comments listed above, being shy was just a part of who I was and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. I remembered these words as people constantly tried to change my personality -- even when they meant well -- and was able to remain authentic and confident in myself. Of course, there were times when I wished I could be more like the loud, outgoing girl at the eighth grade class party who floated around the room, greeting her many friends and making even more as she went along, but I knew that this shy girl had just as much to offer the world as anyone else.

Now, more than ever, I have come to realize the many ways in which this so-called character defect has positively shaped my growth as a person. Being shy has allowed me to become a great listener and better understand the people around me. It has allowed me to be observant and introspective, ultimately causing me to be an extremely detailed writer. Being shy has contributed to the development of my (although, few) strong and genuine friendships.

My shyness does not mean that I'm not having fun, I'm scared, I don't like being social, or that I don't have a voice and opinions to share with the world. It also doesn't mean that I'm never loud or talkative (just ask my friends or family). In reality, shyness is just another personality trait, like being creative, sensitive, or competitive. By telling others that they should alter this unique aspect of their identity suggests that who they naturally are is not enough. So to all the shy people out there, in case no one has told you before, you are special, you are worth it, and you are enough.