People

One of my biggest fears is people. But is shyness a fear or just a temperament?

People react to their own nervousness in different ways. Some people talk lots when they’re nervous. They gabble, waffle, crack jokes, say embarrassing things and come to a grinding, flushed halt.

Other people don’t talk at all. I’m one of those people. The people who talk when they are nervous tend to get the wrong impression of me; they think I’m cool, calm, collected, and a bit of a bitch. But really I’m not saying anything because the words just won’t come out. I can’t even think of something logical or clever to say. I’ve been the target of many a workplace vendetta because I’m quiet. People get so paranoid about silence.

Sometimes I’d just rather not talk. Talking takes such brainwork. Trying to second-guess what the other person is feeling, trying to respond in the right direction as not to make a disagreement. Because really I just want to be liked.