Shy people often have negative thoughts about themselves and others in social interactions. They feel shy to express themselves for fear of sounding stupid or being ignored.
Shyness is in part a temperamental quality -- something we all are more or less born with. But there are positive strengths too that are associated with shyness; for instance, we often find increased empathy, concern for others, altruism, and conscientiousness among shy persons.
Shyness is an emotion that affects how a person feels and behaves around others. Shyness can mean feeling uncomfortable, self-conscious, nervous, bashful, timid, or insecure. People who feel shy sometimes notice physical sensations like blushing or feeling speechless, shaky, or breathless. Shyness is the opposite of being at ease with yourself around others. When people feel shy, they might hesitate to say or do something because they're feeling unsure of themselves and they're not ready to be noticed.
But sometimes being quiet does not necessarily mean that a person is shy.
It is also a proven fact that genetics is also responsible in making a person shy in nature. About 20% people have genetic tendency to be naturally shy. Life experiences too play a major role in determining your personality traits of becoming an introverted or an extroverted person.