The three primary symptoms of avoidant personality disorder are severe sensitivity to disapproval, deep feelings of inadequacy, and daily avoidance of social situations. People with avoidant personality disorder have an extreme fear of being perceived negatively and often find it hard to be in social occasions where the risk for criticism is the highest. This anxiety is further exaggerated by poor self-esteem and internalized beliefs of inferiority. Self-conscious emotions such as embarrassment, shame, guilt, humiliation, etc., are felt stronger by those with APD. For this reason, events and social interactions are avoided, and isolation is sought after as a source of comfort. Patients with avoidant personality disorder will keep away from new relations if approval is not guaranteed or shy away from opening up in developed relationships out of fear of disapproval. These symptoms will interfere with situations outside of close relations, including education and employment.