Shyness has a strange element of narcissism, a belief that how we look, how we perform, is truly important to other people. ~André Dubus
2007-12-20 13:55:11 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Interesting thought, but I don't know that I agree...or maybe I just disagree with Dubus definition of shy. I cannot think of anyone I know to be shy, myself admittedly being shy, that I would categorize in any shape or form as narcissistic. I don't think a shy person is concerned deeply about other people's opinion of themselves as much just not being the type to overly open upon first meeting. I prefer not to be as forthcoming until I know the person I meet is someone I would actually want to speak to for any length of time outside of idle mixed company conversation.
2007-12-20 14:30:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't agree. I think people are shy because they are insecure. And the insecurity is derived from a belief that they fail to conform to norms or to fit in. I don't think they see themselves as being overly important to other people, I think they fear rejection. Narcissists are folks who truly believe they are "god's gift" to humanity. They don't doubt their own self-importance. In fact, this sense of self-importance is over-inflated. They aren't shy about letting the world know just how "great" they view themselves to be. They are also very manipulative and lack empathy for others. Shy people don't see themselves that way. If anything, it's the opposite. The only thing that shy people have "in common" (if you can call it that) with narcissists is a false perception of self- worth (and even that is not always true...a shy person may not, necessarily doubt his self-worth) , but these perceptions are at polar extremes. I've never met any "shy" narcissists. Have you?
2007-12-20 14:25:53 · answer #2 · answered by It's Ms. Fusion if you're Nasty! 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
definition of narcissism
narcissism-1. Excessive admiration or love of oneself. 2. Arrestment of development at or regression to the infantile developmental stage in which one's own body is the object or erotic interest.
defintion of shy or shyness
shy- Easily startled. Timid. Bashful. Distrustful;wary. 2. To draw back, as from fright.
So how are they similar? Someone who is a narcissist is consumed with themself. They have no doubt that they perform and look better . People like that don't worry about acceptance from other people or if something's important to other people. It's all about them.
Someone who is shy worries too much about what people think of their looks and performance in fear of not being accepted or rejected.
I don't think shyness and narcissism are similar at all.
2007-12-22 00:25:54 · answer #3 · answered by paigenstuff 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes. Narcissists are concerned with image. This is becaue they have a deep seated feeling that they're defective or unlovable. So they project a false image of themselves in order to cover for the inner feeling of defectiveness.
Shyness can also be a concern about image: I don't want other people to see me because they'll think certain things about me or they'll reject me.
But shyness can also be reservedness: I don't want to give my heart to just anyone because it's a dangerous world out there.
I think they both spring from broken hearts though.
2007-12-24 15:30:10 · answer #4 · answered by LG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eliminate Social Anxiety Shyness - http://SocialAnxiety.uzaev.com/?VXtF
2016-06-21 04:40:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes i agree, a shy person always makes sure everything that is around them or about them is perfect, its true, yes
2007-12-20 14:03:49 · answer #6 · answered by FREDDY 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very true. I had never thought of that before...
2007-12-20 14:08:29 · answer #7 · answered by Kristinabelle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋