Groupal Shyness

In a rare two minute break in the middle of a solid 12 hour day in the office, I was chatting about shyness to some friends. And we were curious about the difference in shyness we experience when talking to groups of different sizes. For example, Miss X thinks of herself as very shy and quiet, and yet in groups of three she has much to say, and could speak all day at times. But in a group of four, you won't hear a word from her.  Mr Y is in no regards shy, and he is compelled to speak when in a large group if nobody else is. Here's my analysis of groupal shyness:

1 - almost everyone is happy to express themselves when on their own. Even the shyest types are liable to shout at themselves if they drop a cup while alone, or in a car alone when someone annoys them. If you're still too shy to speak out even in your own presence, then you have Primal Shyness and you need therapy, or to become a monk.


2 - those of moderate to strong shyness can clam up even in the presence of just one other. Let's call this  Secondary Shyness.


3 - Miss X can cope with groups of three, but this is her limit. She has Tertiary Shyness.


4 - I can usually speak out in groups of four, but any more might be a struggle. I have Quadrilateral Shyness (and strangely I am always shy in quadrangles).


Luigi Syndrome - if big groups only encourage you to be even louder than normal, you're afflicted (or blessed) with Luigi Syndrome.