Social anxiety usually consists of (1) negative self –evaluation, (2) feelings of tension or discomfort and (3) a tendency to withdraw in the presence of others.

Social anxiety includes fear of eating in public, stage fright and agoraphobia… fear of open spaces. At the heart of this disorder is the instinct for self presentation, the natural urge to avoid frightening situations.

Everyone has some level of social anxiety. A typical comment might read: “I am quite comfortable in front of groups, but if I went to a party full of older psychiatrists, I might stare at my feet for five minutes before I started talking.”

Shyness, embarrassment, shame and stage fright are different kinds of social anxiety. Shyness is a general social anxiety applicable to a variety of social situations.