Are We Born Shy?

Did you know that being shy is NOT a genetic personality trait? According to Dr. Michael Pluess, about 50 percent of differences in sensitivity between people are due to genetic factors, the other half by the environment, including the prenatal environment. 

No one is born shy. Therefore, shyness is a good example of hypersensitivity.

You probably were very cautious and observant as a child, and grown-ups mischaracterized you as a "shy" child. When in reality, you weren't shy. You were a highly sensitive person. 

Hypersensitivity and high sensitivity are often understood as the same, but they couldn’t be more different!

Hypersensitive people are often very insecure and feel as if the world is out to get them. In addition, they are emotionally fragile, meaning that the smallest instance can shake them and make them feel like their ego’s taken a big hit.

On the other hand, highly sensitive people are emotionally intuitive, have a great knack for empathy, are very observant, and often care about the feelings of others more than their own.

Knowledge isn't power without action! So let's stop calling children shy. Instead, get curious about how they take in their surroundings and acclimate to their needs. Not the other way around.

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Spirit Panda Coaching has been helping young adults who struggle with finding their way after college to integrate into work and life with confidence and direction while leveraging the best of their sensitivity temperaments. As an HSP Business Coach, I am trained in guiding clients to a state of self-empowerment and success. All coaching sessions are remote, and you can schedule a 15 min complimentary consultation here.