Test: Has the Cat Got Your Tongue?

It’s a classic image—a child hiding her heard in her mother’s skirts when she meets a s__1__, or a student b__2__ and s__3__ when the teacher asks his name. Shyness probably a__4__ 40 to 50 percent of all people in North America. It’s just that most people appear c__5__ on the surface, and in social situations they seem well a__6__. Only 15 to 20 percent of us fit the s__7__ of the shy person.

What exactly is shyness? “It’s a feeling of self-c__8__,” says Rita Clark, a p__9__. “Shy people feel nervous and ill at ease. They may t__10__, and have b__11__ in their stomach. They worry about making a bad i__12__ on people.” Shyness doesn’t necessarily show on the surface. In fact, people sometimes think that shy people are s__13__ and uninterested in other people when really they are just afraid to make c__14__.

You may be s__15__ to know who is actually very shy. One well-known talk-show host, whose show is watched by millions of viewers, has to plan p__16__ down to the last detail—in order to appear s__17__. “Other ‘private shy’ people include p__18__, teachers, and entertainers,” says Clark. “These people act outgoing when they’re doing their jobs, but they’re very i__19__ socially. You’d be amazed how many public figures fit into this c__20__.”

Research shows that some people are born with a shy t__21__. About 20 percent of babies show a__22__ signs of distress when they see strangers or e__23__ unfamiliar situation. Some scientists feel that such shyness is i__24__.

If 15 to 20 percent of shyness is innate, how do other people become shy? Children may become shy when they enter school or meet new challenges. A__25__ may suffer from an i__26__ crisis and become shy. Whatever the reasons, shy people suffer from t__27__ and from well-meaning c__28__.

- Don’t be a p__29__. It’s better to set r__30__ goals.
- Learn to take r__31__. It’s not your fault. It’s part of life.
- Smile and look at people. If you smile and show you’re interested, people will r__32__ and conversation will be easier.