Shyness is the cause of much unhappiness for a great many people. Shy people are (1)_____ and serf-conscious; that is, they are (2)_____ concerned with their own appearance and actions. (3)_____ thoughts are (4)_____ occurring in their minds: What kind of impression am I making? It is obvious that such (5)_____ feelings must affect people adversely. A person's self-concept is (6)_____ in the way he or she behaves, and the way a person behaves affects other people's reactions. (7)_____, the way people think about themselves has a profound effect on all areas of their lives. Shy people, having low (8)_____, are likely to be passive and easily influenced by others. They need reassurance (9)_____ they are doing 'the fight thing'. Shy people are very (10)_____ to criticism; they feel it (11)_____ their inferiority. A shy person may (12)_____ to a compliment with a statement like this one: 'You're just saying that to make me feel good.' It is clear that, (13)_____ self-awareness is a healthy quality, overdoing it is harmful. Can shyness be completely (14)_____, or at least reduced? Fortunately, people can overcome shyness with determined and patient effort in building self-confidence. Since shyness goes (15)_____ with lack of serf-esteem, it is important for people to accept their weakness as well as their strengths. For example, most people would like to be 'A' students in every subject. It is not fair for them to (16)_____ themselves inferior because they have difficulty (17)_____ some areas. People's expectations of themselves must be (18)_____ Each one of us is a unique, worthwhile individual. The better we understand ourselves, the easier it becomes to (19)_____ our full potential. Let's not allow shyness to block our chances for a rich and (20)_____ life.