Is "Shy" a characteristic reserved only for the low self esteemed ?

bloodyhonest

Is "Shy" a characteristic reserved only for the low self esteemed ? Is it considered an insult?
I don't care for the textbook definition, instead I want to know how people really use this word.

Do you use "shy" to describe only average-ugly looking people?

For example, if you notice two people (one is hot and one is not) are really quiet in a social setting, do you stamp the ugly person/average looking as shy, but consider that the hottie as a snob or more of a listener, etc. ?

This ponders my mind because I was recently labelled as "shy" because I was just quiet during a new social interaction, and it took me by surprise considering I was just listening to them for the most part and did not want to contribute to the conversation that I had little to no interest in. However, I do talk up a storm when the subject is of interest and I know that I am in good company. What I find interesting though, is that my attractive friend that was there during that interaction said little to nothing as well, but my friend was not labelled as "shy"... what gives?

ninerbuff

Shy IMO is just a descriptive word for people who are reluctant to put themselves out there to people they don't know. I'm not like that, but my daughter is. Hardly ugly, doesn't lack self esteem and isn't quiet once she gets to know you.

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karyabc

I'm shy I'm not ugly
I'm shy I'm not low self steem

jaxass

I'm terribly introverted outside of my work environment (teacher). I'm regularly told I'm "standoffish" for being quiet and not interacting with others, too. Thing is, I do have a semi-low self-esteem, but that's not why I'm introverted. I'm introverted because I trust NOBODY.

Sad, so they say, but that's who I am.

CJisinShape

I know two sisters. One is shy, one is very outgoing and gets lots of attention. The shy one is always told how pretty she is (gorgeous), and is pointed out in photos all the time. The shy one has plenty of self-esteem, so does the outgoing one.

Shy is an issue of social reservedness, not beauty.

zoeysasha37

I'm shy. I won't open up to new people and avoid being the center of attention. I'm not ugly at all. Not even a little ugly. Lol . and have great self esteem. So I don't think being shy means that the person lacks self esteem or is an ugly duckling. Its just a personality trait .

handyrunner

jaxass wrote: »

I'm terribly introverted outside of my work environment (teacher). I'm regularly told I'm "standoffish" for being quiet and not interacting with others, too. Thing is, I do have a semi-low self-esteem, but that's not why I'm introverted. I'm introverted because I trust NOBODY.

Sad, so they say, but that's who I am.

I feel you there.

Fit4LifeGal79

I'm shy and like others have stated it's more about not tusting others and not letting people in than it is about low self-esteem. I've been told that I'm intimidating to approach. It's difficult for me to let people in so I come off as standoffish or disinterested.

karyabc

jaxass wrote: »

I'm terribly introverted outside of my work environment (teacher). I'm regularly told I'm "standoffish" for being quiet and not interacting with others, too. Thing is, I do have a semi-low self-esteem, but that's not why I'm introverted. I'm introverted because I trust NOBODY.

Sad, so they say, but that's who I am.

Omg that is so me, I don't trust anybody.