On Shyness
Shyness is the cause of much unhappiness for a great many people. Shy people are anxious and self-conscious, that is, they are excessively concerned with their own appearance and actions. Worrisome thoughts are constantly occurring in their minds. What kind of impression am I making? Do they like me? Do I sound stupid? Am I wearing unattractive clothes?
It is obvious that such uncomfortable feelings must affect people adversely. A person's self-concept is reflected in the way he or she behaves, and the way a person behaves affects other people's reactions. In general, the way people think about themselves has a profound effect on all areas of their lives.
Shy people, having low self-respect, are likely to be passive and easily influenced by others. They need reassurance that they are doing "the right thing". Shy people are very sensitive to criticism: they feel it confirms their inferiority. They also find it difficult to be pleased by praise because they believe they are unworthy of praise. It is clear that, while self-awareness is a healthy quality, over-doing it is harmful.
Can shyness be completely eliminated, or at least reduced? Fortunately, people can overcome shyness with determined and patient effort in building self-confidence. Since shyness goes hand in hand with lack of self-esteem, it is important for people to accept their weaknesses as well as their strengths. Each one of us is a unique, worthwhile individual.We are interested in our own personal ways. The better we understand ourselves, the easier it becomes to live up to our full potential. Let's not allow shyness to block our chances for a rich and fulfilling life.
论羞怯
羞怯是许多人不快乐的原因。害羞的人焦虑不安，自我意识强，也就是说，他们过分在意自己的形象和行为。焦虑时常萦绕在他们的脑海中：我给人留下了什么印象?他们喜欢我吗?我让人觉得很傻吗?我的穿着是否不吸引人?
显而易见，这种不舒适的感觉必然给人们带来了不利的影响。一个人的自我意识反映在他或她的行为上，而一个人的行为会影响他人的反应。一般而言，人们认识自己的方式对他们的生活的方方面面有深远的影响。
羞怯的人非常自卑，他们可能很被动，容易受他人的影响。他们需要得到他人的再次确认：他们所做的是“正确的事情”。羞怯的人对批评很敏感，他们认为批评使得他们更低人一等。他们也发现自己很难因为受到表扬而高兴，因为他们相信自己不值得表扬。很明显，尽管具有自知之明是件好事，但过度自谦则是有害的。
羞怯能根除吗?或至少能减少些吗?幸运的是，许多人能通过坚决而有耐心地建立自信来克服羞怯。既然羞怯与自卑天生相伴，那么人们能看见他们的优缺点是很重要的。每一个人都是独一无二的，都有其价值所在。我们对我们自己个人的方式感兴趣。我们了解自己越多，我们就越容易充分发挥自己的潜能。不要让羞怯妨碍我们实现富裕而有成效的人生。
