Shyness is a common but little understood emotion. Everyone has felt ambivalent or self-conscious in new social situations. However, at times shyness may interfere with optimal social development and restrict children's learning. The basic feeling of shyness is universal, and may have evolved as an adaptive mechanism used to help individuals cope with novel social stimuli.
Shyness is felt as a mix of emotions, including fear and interest, tension and pleasantness.
Increase in heart rate and blood pressure may occur. An observer recognizes shyness by an averted, downward gaze and physical and verbal reticence. The shy person's speech is often soft, tremulous, or hesitant. Some older children may prefer solitary play and appear to have low needs for social interaction, but experience none of the tension of the genuinely shy child. Children may be vulnerable to shyness at particular developmental points.