@Florian K

I don't dislike shy people, I have known plenty of them over the years, and I would prefer to be around someone who is shy than someone who is overconfident or arrogant. But personally I think that shyness is something that can get in the way of your goals and definitely goes against you in things like job interviews and in dating, especially if you're a guy as women generally prefer more confident, outgoing guys to shy guys. So I don't see any benefits for shy people in most situations.

Erm. I am deeply introverted, but it doesn't look that way, does it? I <em>was </em>shy as a child but it's long since I've stopped being that. Yes, I still avoid crowds and parties, but otherwise I'm fine speaking extempore to a thousand strong audience, quite literally. I should think that shyness comes from a lack of confidence rather than introversion, though the latter certainly is an influencer.

There is a difference between being introverted and being shy.

I am an introvert. At work and in my program, I speak up and ask questions. I interact with dozens of people daily, and carry on conversations normally. I don't act (too) awkward, and make my mind known to others. I tend to be more observant, and have my times of silence, but I know when to use my voice as well.

I do not personally know any shy people, but I think of shyness as not being willing to share your own thoughts because of the possible perception by others. There may be a lack of confidence, and they keep to themselves not of their own volition, but because of fear.

I have many introverted friends, and enjoy introversion a lot. I do not enjoy shyness, however. I will say there are benefits to choosing your words carefully and being observant, but I do not see benefits to being shy.

I don't know if there are any benefits to being shy, generally shyness is something that can stop you from getting what you want in life. For example, asking that person out or attending a social club for the first time, meeting new people etc.

At times, I might be considered shy. However, the shyness would go along with my strengths from the Clifton Strengthsfinder test.

My top 5 strengths are:

1. Learner - People exceptionally talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. The process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.

2. Intellection - People exceptionally talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.

3. Analytical - People exceptionally talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all of the factors that might affect a situation.

4. Input - People exceptionally talented in the Input theme have a need to collect and archive. They may accumulate information, ideas, artifacts or even relationships.

5. Deliberative - People exceptionally talented in the Deliberative theme are best described by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices. They anticipate obstacles.

As you can see from the description of the strengths, there are situations where I could appear shy. However, that appearance can be deceptive. By knowing my strengths, I am able to accomplish more at my work.