Scientists have discovered that shy people neurologically react differently to new faces, than outgoing people. Furthermore, a "strong inference" was found between the way people react to new faces as infants and as young adults. However, that doesn't necessarily mean shiness is inherent, or a result of childhood conditions. One scientist is quoted as saying "That a person has difficulty with novelty doesn't mean they are unable to change - the adult brain is more plastic than the man in the street would imagine."
That would make a lot of sense. For example, I don't have any problem dealing with new conditions and environments. In fact, I think I have less resistance towards unfamiliar places than most people. Undoubtedly, this is the result of my moving around a lot during my childhood, and perhaps is also the result of my parents encouraging me to travel on my own starting at an early age. On the other hand, I can't recall a single instance when my parents tried to encourage me to be social. They did tell me not to talk to strangers when I was younger, but then never reversed that when I grew older. Could that have had an effect? Who knows.
Posted Wed, April 28, 2004 03:25 by Gay Hitchhiker
gay hitchhiker
[moderate]