<p> people score over 39 and a few reach the possible high score of 65. How Shy Are You?</p><p>Read each item carefully, and decide to what extent it is characteristic of your feelings and  behavior. Answer each question by choosing a number from the scale below.</p><p>1 = Very uncharacteristic or untrue, strongly disagree An Internet Poem of 2 = Uncharacteristic </p><p>3 = Neutral Shyness 4 = Characteristic By Jamie Sue Reinhart 5 = Very characteristic or true, strongly agree Poem contributed March 14, 2001 Questions Conversations in my head always there but never to be said, ______1. I feel tense when I'm with people I don't know well.</p><p>______2. I am socially somewhat awkward. Can't escape my childish dreams, my fantasies, the unreal realities,</p><p>______3. I find it difficult to ask other people for information. Talking to myself again no one seems to be around,</p><p>______4. I am often uncomfortable at parties and other social functions. I hide myself inside myself, never thinking I'll be found, ______5. When in a group of people, I have trouble thinking of the right things to say. Alone I sit in my own world thinking of a thought that never wakes, ______6. It takes me long to overcome my shyness in new situations.</p><p>______7. It is hard for me to act natural when I am meeting new people. Sometimes I dare to open my eyes only to find those that despise,</p><p>______8. I feel nervous when speaking to someone in authority. Oh how the light blinds, ______9. I have doubts about my social competence. I disappear back in the dark; it leaves an everlasting mark, ______10. I have trouble looking someone right in the eye. Suddenly trapped with no escape, too lonely to stay, too scared to come out, ______11. I feel inhibited in social situations. </p><p>______12. I find it hard to talk to strangers. I find myself drowning, the water too deep, a nightmare I'll forever keep.</p><p>______13. I am more shy with members of the opposite sex. </p><p> Now, add up your score. If you scored over 49, you're probably very shy. If your score is between 34 and 49, you're somewhat shy. If you scored below 34, you're probably not a particularly shy person, although you may feel shy in one or two situations. Most shy </p>