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Why am I so shy around big crowds, but when I'm with one friend than I'm fine?

304 Answers
Last Updated: 05/25/2022 at 9:01pm
Why am I so shy around big crowds, but when I'm with one friend than I'm fine?
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Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
September 11th, 2019 8:53pm
You might just be an introvert, but it can also be a symptom of social anxiety. For either it’s very common to be uncomfortable in large crowds, especially when you are around people you don’t know. Yet you can be completely fine with either just a couple of people, or around people you’re close with. I am an introvert who has anxiety and I feel the same way. I’m completely fine at family get togethers, or when I am around my close friends.. but I avoid places like town, and I can’t go to things like festivals for example, because I don’t do well with crowds, especially of strangers
Muttley56
September 13th, 2019 10:58am
It appears to me you may feel some anxiety and stress when you are around a lot of people. It sounds like this could be the case because sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed when I am around big crowds of people. I believe with large crowds there is much noisier than when you are with one friend. When you are with a friend, he or she usually speaks with a lower tone of voice. Another possibility is you could possibly be setting yourself up by worrying that you will react negatively to a large group of individuals and the noise they create.
wonderwall92
September 29th, 2019 9:38pm
I think most of it comes down to you knowing the boundaries and limits of your friend, his humor and what kind of actions and talking topics he or she is comfortable with. With strangers at least I just can't quite point my finger at what they are like as a person, if we can connect or share similar interests and thoughts and values. Therefore I do not talk in big crowds, more than 3 persons really, because I do not want anyone to think bad of me, because I generally suffer from low self-esteem. It is worse when I know the person gets along well with my friends, because then I know I should too because we obviously are not too different from each other.
Jezbr
October 23rd, 2019 12:33pm
Some would point to the personality theory of extraversion introversion. Extraverts are said to get their safety and energy from large crowds. They crave the vibe of lots of people lots of personalities, sometimes attention but sometimes its just company. Introverts are said to be the opposite. Crowds exhaust them. Or make them feel uncomfortable or shy, but in small groups or one on one situations they "come out of their shells". So some people would be said to be extravert because they are loud and charismatic, but that isn't always the case. Some of us are exhausted by being by ourselves. And some of us draw energy from being with those we know very well. It is sometimes trained into us. But other times its not. My father is an extreme extravert but untheatrical, my mother is very introverted but sings and dances and makes lots of jokes. I swing between both but largely label as an extravert. These so called "labels" are great for our mental health because if you get energy from people, then the more you spend time with groups, the healthier you are feeling and vice verse.
Anonymous
October 27th, 2019 1:38pm
It sounds as if you are suffering from social anxiety and that one friend acts as a crutch for you to have so that way you know that you always have someone you can talk to. It is very hard to be alone and having someone you know with you makes it a lot easier to handle. Having a friend with you can also help confidence because they know you and how you act. You are in need of someone to talk to and seem to be scared that if they are not there you will be alone and that is scary.
Anonymous
November 2nd, 2019 2:46am
I'm the same way! This is a really common thing for people who are introverted and/or sensitive. I highly recommend the book Quiet by Susan Cain, it helped me understand my introversion and sensitivity a lot better as well as the ways much of society is structured to make introverts feel different or less than. Personally, I have mostly let go of being around big crowds. When I am around big crowds, I make sure to have a buddy with me so that I also have the comfort of one close person in the midst of the overwhelming chaos that is my experience of crowds.
Anonymous
November 3rd, 2019 6:21am
It most probably could be because of anxiety of being in a big crowd. As i myself , have social anxiety and you are most likely shy , because of the the new faces and people you never seen before. Also your most likely to be comfortable with being yourself around your friend. This is because of you always being with them and you can act yourself in front of them , because of you personally knowing them. It’s totally normal to be shy around random people as anyone would be when being in a crowd full of strangers you don't know or know but aren’t fully comfortable with as you are being with your friend.
CreativeSoul115
November 8th, 2019 3:19am
I experience the same thing. I'm fine when me and my girlfriend are out in public, but when I am alone my anxiety gets so high. Having something to fiddle with really helps me when I have to go grocery shopping, lists do as well. Those things give me something to focus on, rather than focusing on the crowds. It took me a long time to be able to get used to being by myself, though. So, dont feel bad if it takes you a long time to get used to it. Its a hard thing to do, but in the end it is rewarding!
Anonymous
December 14th, 2019 6:34pm
social anxiety. sometimes people with social anxiety have trouble with crowds but are fine with their friends. this is common and is nothing to really worry about. it will get better over time. so I wouldn't worry too much. I have been through this and it is hard at first. I talked to people I trusted and it helped a lot. they helped me find help and a good therapist to talk to. I started talking to the school guidance counselor. she helped me find a way to cope with this. We tried meditation. We tried deep breathing when we had to go through crowds.
firecrackersintheeast
December 28th, 2019 1:49am
I also feel overwhelmed by big crowds. Sometimes the noise and presence of a lot of people makes us feel nervous, or self-conscious. It happens to a lot of people, so don't feel like you're alone! The bigger the audience, the more eyes it feels like are watching you. Obviously, most times that you're in a crowd, the people aren't really watching you. You just feel like they could be. Something that helps me sometimes is reminding myself that most people are too busy with their own thoughts to be worrying about me in a crowd!
rxgdxll
September 29th, 2021 9:47pm
Anxiety could be a likely cause. It can make you hate being in big crowds although you feel okay around a friend. Usually being around someone you trust and feel comfortable with will keep your anxiety from coming up as bad. Large crowd, especially if you don’t know the people in it, can drive someone‘s anxieties you the wall because they’re surrounded by people they don’t know and can’t as well control what will happen. It’s common for people to get shy or nervous in big crowds like this.
DarkPiT23
November 27th, 2020 2:45pm
Because when you get comfortable with someone or trust them u know you can be yourself unlike in the crowds u are scared of embarrassment, and You are probably an introvert and this is normal. Many people (introverts) are not inclined to deal with big and noisy crowds. They go for quiet places or certain people, and they even need some time alone every now and then. The fear of crowds or Enochlophobia is known by different names such as Ochlophobia and Demophobia. ... Enochlophobia is closely related to Agoraphobia (which is the fear of and desire to avoid situations wherein one believes s/he may be subjected to incapacitation, humiliation etc).
Anonymous
December 16th, 2020 7:55pm
Social situations involving lots of people can sometimes be intimidating. With a lot of people present, it can feel overwhelming because there are many people with many different perspectives, which can sometimes make us feel more self-conscious about self-expression than when we are only with one friend. This is because, one-on-one, it can be easier to explain yourself and your feelings knowing you'll have the time and the forum in which to explain yourself fully if there is a complex subject or a misunderstanding. Crowds can sometimes tend to cater to more confident and charismatic individuals, which can sometimes lead to people who are more reserved, introspective, or introverted feeling slightly shy or less involved. Some people also simply prefer close one-on-one connections because they are easier to manage, tend to be more emotionally intimate, and lend themselves to better understanding of the people involved.
Brightriver37
December 17th, 2020 7:47pm
That is Social Anxiety, I have it too being in big crowds seems scary you don't want to embarrass yourself, with less people there is less people to be scared of, and with a friend you can trust them more I completely get this I get scared to do lots of things in front of crowds and because I have this I believe you have Social Anxiety as well many people have it and it isn't something you should feel ashamed of, but you can get past it by trying your best to put yourself out there more!
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2021 11:48pm
Hi there! It sounds like what your experiencing is a common symptom of social anxiety. Being shy is a common thing, especially around a crowd you might not know. It's your brain trying to protect you from saying what you might feel is the wrong thing. Being around one friend wouldnt stir this reaction out of you, because you both know and might be comfortable around them. Dealing with big crowds is naturally an intimidating thing, so its understandable as to why youre feeling this way!. Maybe try being around a friend/companion, anyone who makes you feel more comfortable during these situations. The extra-person often gives a sense of security
JoyfulSunset
February 6th, 2021 4:56pm
There could be many different reasons why you’re shy around big crowds. When you’re with one person it can be a little bit more intimate and you can feel more safe. When you’re talking to one person you feel heard and you’re able to speak back and have a cup proper conversation. In big crowds it can become overwhelming with noises people hustling and bustling And overhearing peoples conversation can be overwhelming that you might feel that you can’t participate. If you took a step back and looked and saw that a big crowd is just many people also feeling this way usually. It may help you through your shyness.
Anonymous
February 17th, 2021 12:03pm
I'm also in that same boat-- I do not do well with crowds myself. I thrive best in smaller groups. It could be the energy of the larger crowds is overwhelming and thus cause sensory overload. At least that's what happens for me. I find that I prefer a smaller circle of people in order to feel safer and more comfortable. Knowing that, I try to keep to situations in which I know I won't be overwhelmed and then in cases I cannot avoid crowds, do my best to minimize the time or find ways to push through best i can
Anonymous
February 28th, 2021 2:24am
This is not unusual at all! Big crowds are filled with many people who you don't know and who don't understand your personality or characteristics. It makes natural sense that you will feel more comfortable with one friend who understands you well and who you have spent a lot of time around. The more time you spend around someone, the more comfortable you will tend to be around them. When you are in a big crowd, try to enter that crowd with the mindset that you are probably not going to interact with these people again, so you can be yourself without fear of judgement.
ReachoutHua2593
April 7th, 2021 3:37pm
It is okay to be shy in big crowds. It usually occur in introverts. You are just improving your values and comfort areas. It's really okay and you don't have to feel guilty for this according to my experiences. Introverts like to spend time alone and they're shy when they meet new people. They usually get used to it when you meet them more and more. It is okay to be shy in big crowds. It usually occur in introverts. You are just improving your values and comfort areas. It's really okay and you don't have to feel guilty for this according to my experiences. Introverts like to spend time alone and they're shy when they meet new people. They usually get used to it when you meet them more and more.
Anonymous
April 9th, 2021 7:21am
It is very normal to feel this way. We often feel overwhelmed when we are surrounded by so many people we may or may not know. On the contrary, one friend would be more relaxed. I would recommend listening to yourself and finding out what your boundaries are. If being shy around big crowds is something you would like to overcome, you should aim to become more confident in yourself. Focus on yourself. Find what it is that is making you shy. That way, you can target these aspects. Assessing these aspects is helpful to make you comfortable, or not shy, in big crowds.
laneylistening
April 29th, 2021 3:03pm
This happens to me too! You are probably comfortable with that friend and have anxiety around people you don't know very well... very normal, but if it is affecting your everyday life, I would suggest seeing a therapist or doctor! There is nothing wrong with reaching out for help. Going to the doctor and seeing a therapist helped me so so much. My anxiety was so bad I would have breakdowns before entering a restaurant or going to church, partied, etc. If you are experiencing severe anxiety, get help! If it is just more about being uncomfortable, work on different mental exersises or hobbies. Some of this comes with age and expereince too. Sending light :)
Anonymous
May 27th, 2021 4:54pm
It is hard to say. Let us break down it a bit. When we listen to someone one to one, we listen to the person, try to understand what that person meant, and if the need is we speak. On the contrary, when we are in front of a group or big crowd, we could be bombarded with words and ideas. We might not be able to respond to them well, or what if our argument sounds stupid? Or what if we are misunderstood? The fear of making a fool of ourselves makes us shy in front of big crowds. ideas to come out of it could be slowly increasing the number of people we converse with if one person tries talking in front of two and slowly in front of a group. Also, try to make peace with the fact that we will commit mistakes and we might be considered stupid but it will not be the end of the world, so the best it is to face our fears and walk forward.
rhs101
June 22nd, 2021 6:04pm
One friend is sometimes all you need to feel safe and comfortable. Being with a true friend feels like home. When you're around a bunch of strangers, it can make you feel small and unsure, but with a friend, you will feel confident and secure. When I was in my freshman year of college, I felt isolated and didn't want to leave my dorm room. My social anxiety was something that held me back from enjoying my college experience; however, when I met my best friend, I hung out with her almost every day! We have been friends forever!
Anonymous
July 18th, 2021 10:03pm
Feeling like you fit in and are accepted by one person is one thing. since it is just one personality that you need to be compatible with versus an entire crowd of different personalities you may feel a greater expectation of being relatable to everyone versus just that one friend. Introverts are that way too, some people just flourish better in a smaller crowd, its a little more intimate and personal when there isnt a ton of people around allowing you to be yourself rather than spend your time conforming to what you think an entire group may expect of you.
Anonymous
August 4th, 2021 8:41am
It sounds like you could be experiencing some social anxiety. It tends to make you feel anxious and shy around crowds if people, especially busy places. Especially if you find your fine with one friend, you tend to feel a lot comfortable with a single friend than a crowd of people. Personally myself I suffer from social anxiety too, for me it means that I start to get anxious and have panic attacks if I’m in really crowded places especially if there’s lots of people there. Just take every day as it comes and take it slowly going out in crowds until you start gathering enough confidence to do large groups/crowds.
anonymousbro
August 20th, 2021 8:21pm
Hello. I want you to know that a lot of people also feel this way. You feel like that because you trust your friend, and so you can relax and be yourself when with him. Try to forget the big crowds, everybody is going through something, so when you accept that, maybe you can relax and let yourself go. When you realize that everyone have their own battle to fight, it gets easier to deal with larger crowds without feeling shy. Start by trying to deal with smaller crowds, and when making progress, you can pass on to bigger ones. Im sure it will make it easier to deal with!
AA2527
September 10th, 2021 4:06pm
I guess, in my experience, I have felt much better with a friend around in big crowds because I feel like I looked less alone and would always have someone to talk to and thus look and feel less awkward. Also, with a friend around to talk to, I have felt less focused on other people, what they're doing, how they're coming across, how I'm coming across in comparison to them, and how I must be being viewed by them. Also, it's just nice to feel less alone, like you have someone by your side whether it's fun or not.
16peacefulBraveheart01
March 18th, 2022 12:34pm
Its okay to become shy kind person it shows that you're kind and simple person, i understand when we're close to someone's then the person isn't afraid to talk.,but its fine to talk with one person if you're not comfortable with others. Try to overcome about this if you wanna do something in future as business person or entrepreneur...You can build your talking skills via try to express thought with parents or relatives to get rid of shyness to talk with people's try exercises to put an effort about shyness...And Don't forget to track your records about what and how Many people you tried to talk with
sweetForest1007
March 25th, 2022 3:41am
I understand your situation, and I believe it’s completely normal. In my personal experience, I am also a shy person around big crowds and sometimes I may even want to be alone instead, while I’m loud and much confident with my friends. Remember that this definitely not a problem, Just remember to be confident in yourself in front of anyone and do not let anyone judge you or let you down! If you are down, remember to take the courage to reach out for support! Our listeners are always here to help you. Thanks for reading have a nice day.
Vithleem
March 18th, 2022 7:35pm
It is actually very common to feel uneasy when you are dealing with big crowds, so you should not be hard on yourself about that. If you feel comfortable around your friends, that is very positive and you can keep that in mind. To overcome this problem, you could try doing small steps. For instance, you can try to have a conversation with three other persons, the next week with four or five and gradually try to expose yourself to larger groups of people. As long as you try to expose yourself in situations that include social interaction, you will notice difference in the way you handle things!