I think that whether it's genetic or environmental (nature or nurture), that having a proper environment can help a person overcome shyness. So to me, environment is the key. People need a supportive surroundings and supportive people, with access to graduated levels of social situations, to deveop the non-shy aspects of their personalities.

What do other people say?

I would have to say nurture. I wasn't shy my entire life, it wasn't until I had all these changes, that I started becoming more shy and shy.

I think it's a combination of nature, nuture and personality. I have always been shy, but as I've gotten older, I have come out of my shell a little...still struggle with it at times...

I think it varies from person to person.

I, myself, have always been shy. But, in certain environments, where I feel more comfortable, I will come out of my shell more.

Perfect Example: I am a singer and when I'm onstage, or at band practices, I don't appear shy at all. But, when I'm offstage, I'm a totally different person.

For me its because i was sexually abused at 6 and then bullied at 7-9. And then had two bad relationships at 16 and 18.

I think its environmental. And i think it can be cured, with therapy, EMDR, or just trying to be social if it isnt a severe case (for me it requires two therapists, DS, and EMDR)

I think- nurture. I wouldn't call myself shy, but have been less likely to be outgoing and spontaneous around people since my relationship with stbx. Now, i.e. I would initiate a conversation and later wonder if I didn't make an idiot of myself- that didn't happen before. I believe we are born whole and perfect, with some tendencies towards this or that, our socialization emphasizes some of these tendencies. There is a difference between being introverted and overly shy. Some people just don't feel the need for all the interaction that others look for. Extreme shyness would probably be treated like a phobia- by desensitization and relaxation techniques, I guess.

genetic, personality, environment

overprotected child, environment, personality, bullying

I know mine is genetic. Too many family members struggle with it.

The only way I think shyness can be cured is if a bad experience made a person withdraw, if you were not born this way. Crime, abuse, bullying, etc...can be helped with a professional.

For others it has always been a struggle, never quite feeling comfortable fully around people, and society judging wrongly and never understanding why. It's hard to grow beginning as a child, taken into adulthood, because since school we had teachers, as well as adults, telling us it is wrong to be who we are.

JMO