Why do people smile so much when they're feeling shy?

Question

I'm shy myself and I noticed I smile a lot when I feel shy, and I don't know the reason behind it!

Answer 1

I think it is because when we feel shy...self-conscious, insecure...we tend to smile as a reflex. I find it very endearing and cute so I don't think that it is a problem. :)

Answer 2

I never thought about that, but I do it too and I'm a very shy person! It sort of becomes automatic and an unconsious act for me and happens ALL the time when I get shy.

As for why we do it...that's an excellent question. I like the "non-threatening" idea that someone posted as an answer. Could be a result of feeling ashamed of being shy and the smile hides the fear or insecurity...

If we're shy, we fear what others will think of us. Maybe the smile is a defense mechanism to hide the real pain or fear of rejection. Since we want people to like us, we smile because it is is inviting and it might make people like us or want to get to know us more...

I'm really not quite sure but excellent question! Thanks for posting!

Answer 3

i've never really thought about it, but i do that too. i can be shy at times, and when i see a girl i like i smile and look down. i guess the smile is because i like the other person.

Answer 4

Smiling is actually a primitive humanoid reaction to feeling threatened. Other animals bear thier teeth to indicate a defense mechanism but somewhere along the way our ancestors developed it into a way to indicate that we are not a threat (but all the way sub-conciously indicating that we may be). Chimpanzees do it all the time.

Answer 5

It's a defense mechanism. The smile shows that you are non threatening and thus the receiver is more apt to be non threatening towards you.

Answer 6

to mask the bitterness of feeling unwanted.

Answer 7

Nervous tick....

Answer 8

Its equivalent to frowning when angry!!