Friendships are a very important part of children's emotional development. Many shy children do not have the social skills necessary to make friends. Many shy children, too, are fearful of social situations, and therefore avoid them. Because of this difficulty in making friends, shy children are often lonely. Difficulty sticking up for oneself.
Many shy children have trouble asserting themselves.
As a result, they are often taken advantage of by peers, or talked into doing things that they don't want to do. Others may see shy children as aloof or stuck up. Peers may misinterpret shyness as disinterest or aloofness. As a result, shy children may be avoided by peers. Difficulties with effective communication.