We’re all shy at times, especially when meeting other people. But for some people, shyness can be nearly debilitating, especially when you’re forced to deal with public situations. Those who are painfully shy know that the habits they form aren’t just because they’re aloof — it’s because they approach life with a different thinking pattern than their more outspoken counterparts.

You have opinions you want to voice, people you want to talk to and activities you want to participate in, but sometimes your timid ways hold you back. If you’re one of those people, you’ll likely relate to the following truths that we all eventually come to learn.

1. Some people will try to take advantage of you

You’re not the type of person to scream and slash tires when you get upset and toxic people can see that about you.

2. You are unintentionally awkward in social situations

It’s not just walking into a party alone to meet friends; sometimes it’s hard to even say hello a colleague you see every day in the elevator.

3. Some people find you rude or arrogant

For some reason, quiet equals she-devil in many minds. People assume that because you are quiet, you think you are better than them. That is far from the truth. In fact, you are probably envious of other people because they can actually speak up.

4. It is hard to ask for help

Even when you really need help, it is challenging to ask. Just the thought of speaking up to say you need something makes you rethink whether you can do it on your own after all.

5. You would rather text than call anyone because phone calls are torture

You praise the genius who invented the text message. Now, why won’t everyone stop making actual telephone calls? You don’t know what to say, and you are convinced that your voice sounds like an alien.

6. You are an excellent observer

Being shy has given you the opportunity to observe a lot, and what you’ve observed is better than a lot of lessons you could have learned yourself.

7. It is annoying when people say “speak up!”

“Be more outgoing” and “speak up” isn’t something you can easily pick up.

8. Public speaking is an absolute no

It’s amazing how some people can speak in front of a crowd and not embarrass themselves by stuttering or looking nervous.

9. You admire other people’s flirting abilities

It’s not like you don’t talk to guys, but how open and forward some girls manage to amazes you.

10. People think there’s something wrong with you or they find you creepy

“What’s wrong?” is a question you hear on a daily basis. Apparently not yapping your mouth around the clock means that something is terribly wrong. Nothing is wrong except that you are incredibly shy.

11. People are shocked when you speak or share your opinion

You’re always observing other people’s actions and conversations. But when you speak, it’s like they just witnessed something extraordinary.

12. You often wish you could re-do a past conversation or situation

Even ones that happened, like, 10 years ago. You’re often speechless at the moment, but you always think of stuff to say later.

13. Although you don’t speak often, there is a lot on your mind

Since you are an excellent observer, you listen to others conversations and ideas and develop your own viewpoint of them. But because you don't speak often, you have so many strong thoughts in your head that are just waiting to spew out.