Why am I shy?
Is shyness down to nature or nurture - and how can you overcome it if itβs causing anxiety?
A racing heart, blushing, feeling sick - most people experience symptoms of shyness in certain situations. But some of us are much shyer than others, and if it gets on top of you, shyness can really limit what you get out of life.
Thatβs why this weekβs listener got in touch with CrowdScience. He wants to know why heβs shy: is it genetic, or more to do with his upbringing? Is there anything he can do to overcome his shyness β and on the other hand, could being shy actually have some benefits?
We find out how much shyness is down to our genes, and why βshy typesβ might have evolved the first place. A psychologist gives us her top tips for dealing with social anxiety, and we take part in some drama therapy designed to help people break out of their shell. And we ask if quieter, more introverted types are disadvantaged in modern society, where outgoing, extraverted behaviour can bring more tangible rewards.
(Photo: Shy young man hiding behind one eye. Credit: Getty Images)
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Eight tips for overcoming social anxiety
Duration: 03:33
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- Fri 8 Mar 2019 20:32GMTΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online, Americas and the Caribbean, UK DAB/Freeview, News Internet & Europe and the Middle East only
- Fri 8 Mar 2019 21:32GMTΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Australasia & East Asia only
- Sun 10 Mar 2019 00:32GMTΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World Service
- Mon 11 Mar 2019 05:32GMTΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World Service UK DAB/Freeview, News Internet, Online & Europe and the Middle East only
- Mon 11 Mar 2019 06:32GMTΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Australasia, Americas and the Caribbean & South Asia only
- Mon 11 Mar 2019 07:32GMTΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa & East Asia only
- Mon 11 Mar 2019 11:32GMTΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World Service West and Central Africa
- Mon 11 Mar 2019 18:32GMTΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia & West and Central Africa only
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CrowdScience
Answering your questions about life, Earth and the universe