Section B
Shyness is the cause of much unhappiness for a great many people. Shy people are anxious and (11)selfª²conscious; that is, they are excessively concerned with their own appearance and actions. (12)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 (13)unattractive clothes?

It is obvious that such uncomfortable feelings must affect people (14)adversely. A person¡¯s selfª²concept is (15)reflected in the way he or she behaves, and the way a person behaves affects other people¡¯s (16)reactions. In general, the way people think about themselves has a (17)profound effect on all areas of their lives.

Shy people are very sensitive to criticism; they feel it confirms their inferiority. (18)They also find it difficult to be pleased by compliments because they believe they are unworthy of praise. A shy person may respond to a compliment with a statement like this one£º¡°You¡¯re just saying that to make me feel good. I know it¡¯s not true.¡± (19)It is clear that, while selfª²awareness is a healthy quality, overdoing it is harmful.
Can shyness be completely eliminated, or at least reduced? (20)Since shyness goes hand in hand with lack of selfª²esteem, it is important for people to accept their weaknesses as well as their strengths. People¡¯s expectations of themselves must be realistic. Living on the impossible leads to a sense of inadequacy.