With social anxiety come traits and tendencies that will serve you well in a culturally diverse twenty-first-century world (and won’t disappear, even if your fear and awkwardness do). Indeed, the research—as well as my experience working with many shy and socially anxious individuals—demonstrates we are often: • Careful thinkers—we consider what we’re going to say • Conscientious, with a robust inner guide and strong work ethic • Gifted at remembering faces • Deeply empathetic • “Prosocial,” meaning positive to others, helpful, and altruistic • Considerate of the rights, needs, and feelings of
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