Self-conscious embarrassment

Shy

Also known as bashful, inhibited, reserved, timid

Strength 1 of 4

Hanging back at the edge of contact, wanting to join in but hesitant to be noticed, especially with new people or in a group.

In the body

  • Eyes drifting down or away
  • A quiet, hesitant voice
  • Body angled slightly away
  • Hands kept close

Needs behind it

When these needs aren’t met

AcceptanceConnectionInclusion

Softer and stronger

  1. Awkward
  2. Self-conscious
  3. Shy
  4. Embarrassed
  5. Flustered
  6. Sheepish
  7. Mortified

Often confused with

Nervous

Shy is a hanging back from contact with people; nervous is unease about how something ahead will go, people or not.

Self-conscious

Shy is a holding back from contact, often before anything has happened; self-conscious is a sharp awareness of being looked at, which can strike even the outgoing.

Withdrawn

Shy hangs back while wanting to join in; withdrawn has pulled away and is not reaching out.

See also

Insecure