According to the American Psychology Association, "Shyness is the
tendency to feel awkward, worried or tense during social encounters,
especially with unfamiliar people. Severely shy people may have physical
symptoms like blushing, sweating, a pounding heart or upset stomach;
negative feelings about themselves; worries about how others view them;
and a tendency to withdraw from social interactions. Most people feel shy
at least occasionally. Some people's shyness is so intense, however, that it
can keep them from interacting with others even when they want or need
to-- leading to problems in relationships and at work.