Shyness can be a socially debilitating condition. I guess at times we might consider it to be cute or endearing but for a person who suffers from intense shyness, it is far from being cute.
Imagine, if you can, being unable to talk to or mix with other people in a social setting. Can you also think how that would affect your life, socially and emotionally?
Shyness can really affect peoples’ lives in ways we may never have imagined. This post on the Better person blog gives no fewer than 19 facts about shyness that you probably didn’t know about.
I recommend reading this post, even if you do not suffer from shyness yourself. It is sure to give you an insight into shyness and maybe could help you understand another person who seems shy.