conv: I play guitar as a hobby but I hardly ever play in front of other guitarists.  I only feel comfortable doing it if I know those around me can't play as well or at all. I play guitar as a hobby but rarely play in front of other guitarists.  I only feel comfortable doing it if the people around me play worse or not at all. I think that's a kind of natural reaction_comma_ especially if it is just a hobby. I would have a fear of being judged. Exactly!  I always feel there's less chance of embarrassment if you're the best in the room. Definitely. I feel the same speaking foreign languages. It's more of a self-conscious thing.