Shyness is the cause of much unhappiness for a great many people. Shy people are anxious and (36) ; that is, they are excessively concerned with their own appearance and actions. (37) thoughts are constantly occurring in their minds: what kind of impression am I making Do they like me Do I sound stupid Am I wearing (38) clothes It is obvious that such uncomfortable feelings must affect people (39) . A person’s self-concept is (40) in the way he or she behaves, and the way a person behaves affects other people’s (41) . In general, the way people think about themselves has a (42) effect on all areas of their lives. Shy people are very sensitive to (43) ; they feel it confirms their inferiority. (44) . A shy person may respond to a compliment with a statement like this one: "You’re just saying that to make me feel good. I know it’s not true." (45) . Can shyness be completely eliminated, or at least reduced (46) . People’s expectations of themselves must be realistic. Living on the impossible leads to a sense of inadequacy.