Shyness

[Sarah]

The quality or state of being shy. [Written also shiness.]Frequency in heavenly contemplation is particularly important toprevent a shyness bewtween God and thy soul. Baxter.

[Sarah]

The fear or awkwardness of interacting with other people, a natural state of mind among many people.

No longer valid: Modern terms for this are Avoidant personality disorder and Social anxiety disorder. See also Asperger Syndrome, and consult a doctor for a prescription if you have any reason to believe that you may suffer from these.

[Sarah]

Fear is an emotion which is mostly triggered by the release of hormones or neurotransmitters like adrenaline and noradrenaline.
The reason fear exists is mainly evolutionary for self-preservation. Feeling scared in dangerous situations keeps you alive.
Social anxiety is a commonly occuring phenomenon in our postmodern society. The pathological shyness discourages many people from showing their whole potential in front of other people in school, at work or in general social situations.
It does not provide you any help to survive and it most likely prevents you from being happy.
If you know people who might be affected by Social Society Disorder, please do not mistake their introversion for arrogance and try to comprehend their behaviour. Do not stop inviting them to social situations and give them time to warm up.