No matter how confident your nature may be, if you have a problem with excessive blushing it's likely that you experience feelings of wanting to hide from everyone and everything quite frequently. Even people who are very gregarious by nature and become shy and retiring when stricken by chronic episodes of excessive blushing, choosing to avoid all sorts of social interaction instead of seeking the company of others.

For people who develop problems with excessive blushing, even the simplest of interactions with other people can become painful burdens. When excessive blushing becomes problematic for individuals, they often have difficulty even going to the supermarket and having even the most basic and superficial conversations with other people, acquaintances and strangers alike. Simply stated, excessive blushing can lead to shyness.

Shyness as a Personality Trait

Some shy people are simply naturally introverted, preferring not to be particularly outspoken and choosing to stay out of the limelight. While many outgoing people seem to think it is their duty to bring people who are shy out of their shells, it's a fact that people who are shy often enjoy being quiet. They simply prefer watching the action rather than being the center of attention. This type of shyness is perfectly normal and socially acceptable, and those who tend to be more outspoken need to let their naturally shy friends be true to themselves.

Shyness Related to Blushing

The case of secondary shyness, which is brought on by a situation such as a chronic blushing problem, is very different than shyness as a personality trait. This type of shyness can actually be a defense mechanism against issues that the individual perceives to be embarrassing. Those who blush excessively are humiliated by their facial reddening, and tend to become self-conscious, unhappy, and withdrawn. If you know people who were once very outspoken, but suddenly become very quiet and starting avoiding social situations, it's likely that something has happened to trigger the behavior change.

The Impact of Secondary Shyness

Those who find themselves hiding out from others, even though their natural personality might be one that isn't shy at all can become very depressed and unhappy. Excessive blushers who become shy as defense mechanism can become completely miserable, partially because their blushing makes them unhappy and partially because they are behaving in a manner that is contrary to their natural behavior.

Overcoming Secondary Shyness

The good news is that those who start behaving in a shy manner because they are embarrassed by or defensive about their excessive blushing can get help. By learning to control the anxiety that is associated with blushing, and by engaging in other activities that can help put a stop to this potentially debilitating problem, it is possible to get one's natural personality traits back. It will take time to break the shyness cycle, but once you are able to do so, you'll begin to feel like you're being true to yourself and experience the positive self esteem benefits associated with letting your natural self shine through.