Shyness is the cause of much unhappiness for a great many people. Shy people are anxious and 【B1】 ; that is, they are excessi

Shyness is the cause of much unhappiness for a great many people. Shy people are anxious and (36)self-conscious; that is, they are excessively concerned with their own appearance and actions. (37) Worrisome thoughts are constantly occurring in their minds: What kind of (38)impression am I making? Do they like me? Do I sound stupid? Am I wearing (39)unattractive clothes?
    It is obvious that such uncomfortable feelings must affect people (40)adversely. A person’s self-concept is (41)reflected in the way he or she behaves, and the way a person behaves affects other people’s (42)reactions. In general, the way people think about themselves has a (43) profound effect on all areas of their lives.
    Shy people are very sensitive to criticism; they feel it confirms their inferiority. (44) 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: "You’re just saying that to make me feel good. I know it’s not true." (45) It is clear that, while self-awareness is a healthy quality, overdoing it is harmful.
    Can shyness be completely eliminated, or at least reduced? (46) 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. People’s expectations of themselves must be realistic. Living on the impossible leads to a sense of inadequacy.