Chronicle Editor
Youth Focus with Dr Manners Msongelwa
SHYNESS is an emotion that affects how a student feels and behaves around others. Shyness can mean feeling uncomfortable, nervous, timid, or insecure.
People who feel shy sometimes notice physical sensations like blushing or feeling speechless, shaky, or breathless. Shyness is driven by both biological and environmental forces. The fear of negative reactions such as being mocked, humiliated, patronised, criticised or rejected can cause a shy person to retreat. Many shy students are unaware of what shyness costs them.
One disadvantage is that you do most of the things out of fear rather than being your true self. You try to please people around you. You won’t be yourself. You may fail at things you can do. Shyness isn’t good at all. So many times I have seen students feeling shy to present in class or at an assembly because they’re too nervous.
Most shy students find themselves lonely and isolated. When you’re lonely and isolated, depression finds it easier to thrive.
One of the things that helps a lot with depression and heartache is having someone to reach out to. Many shy students know how to spend time alone. But this doesn’t mean you can’t make friends. Don’t be afraid of making friends, knowing people. This is very important, especially at school. However, select your friends wisely, friends who are hardworking and visionary.
Shy students suffer from an inferiority complex and a lack of self-worth. Many shy students struggle with self-worth. They don’t believe in themselves. Believe in yourself. Don’t focus on the negatives, focus on the positives. Change how you think about yourself. Realise how good you are. Work on areas of your life that need improvement.
And remember, no one’s perfect. So, focus on yourself. Enjoy the best of you as you work to get better in other areas.
n Dr Manners Msongelwa is an author, teacher and youth coach. He can be contacted on +263771019392
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter