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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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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).
Kai939
May 21st, 2020 12:26am
There is a lot of pressure when you're with a large group of people. In crowds, you may not know everyone intimately and that can create a feeling of being "spread too thin". I, personally, am a person who strives to communicate and maintain friendly relations with everyone I am around. With a lot of people, that is a lot more difficult to do. Also, crowds and large friend groups have high energy, which can be overwhelming, sometimes bordering on exhausting. With one friend, you only have to focus on them. If you're comfortable with them (which I'm assuming is the case because they're a friend) there isn't a constant pressure to please them. Being with one person is also a lot more "chill" than being with a lot of people.
tranquilSerenity666
August 9th, 2020 11:03am
You might be a bit of an introvert! This means that you mentally recharge by having space and time to yourself. Introvertedness is often confused for being shy or antisocial, while they’re actually quite different. You might recharge from being around this friend, but it might be overwhelming to be around larger groups. What are some ways that you relax and recharge? Maybe you like to draw, or take walks, or curl up with a book. I would suggest trying to find more downtime. You can also work your way up to big crowds. For example, next time you’re with a big group, challenge yourself to get to know just one new person. Even if it’s just a simple ‘hi how are you’. Over time, you just might grow comfortable enough with big groups to fit in better than you ever thought you could! Hope this helps :)
Salmaarafaah
August 6th, 2020 5:26pm
You feel that way because the more the people are the more eyes on you. We tend to feel more comfortable with one friend because it feels less intimidating and it is more personal. However, when we interact with large groups, you might feel that the interaction is less personal and that they might all be judging you and sharing their thoughts about you with one another but this is not the case at all. We make all of this up in our minds but trust me, it is all a matter of practice. Try practice your public speaking amongst people you are comfortable around. You will get there.
girlinred45662
July 25th, 2020 12:47am
being shy or closed off around a lot of people, or big crowds can be a sign of anxiety, social anxiety to be exact. Yet around your friends this shyness is not shown. Yes, that does sound like anxiety. However it could be other things. If you are feeling nervous, or uncomfortable around big crowds it could be anxiety, but it could also be the phobia of big crowds (which is a thing). And so, though I can't be sure of course, being shy around big crowds is something I can relate to and is one of the main signs of social anxiety.
sophiasanae
June 13th, 2020 2:47pm
This is a very common experience and I have been through the same thing with my social anxiety! It’s totally okay to feel this way. I used to think that I had to be like the super friendly and extroverted girl like in movies to fit in and have friends. I eventually learned that this isn’t the case! Being around big crowds can be nerve wracking, but spending one on one time with a friend gives you more space to open up and feel comfortable, without fear of judgement. This is just one possible answer for why you feel this way. Keep doing what makes you feel comfortable and know that you aren’t alone! 💕
Anonymous
June 13th, 2020 8:52am
With one friend, you can feel more comfortable since you have known them for long enough. Big crowds may have people new to you. For me personally, I am shy with big crowds because there are way more people who could be giving me judgement. Since you know your one friend well, you would not be as likely to feel judged by them. Big crowds can also be overwhelming since there are so many individuals there with you in the room. You may be fine with one friend because you are used to being around them and experiencing their presence with you.
CelloandMellow
June 5th, 2020 8:51pm
Big crowds can be very intimidating for anyone with anxious tendencies. Friends are a familiar territory for us, and that safety of familiarity can relax us. In contrast, crowds contain people we don't recognize or particularly trust. Often, we can even perceive threats in places where there aren't any because of paranoia we have inherited from cable news or others who have experienced trauma while in a crowd. If the anxiety is debilitating, this might be something to talk to a licensed professional about. If it is manageable, however, try and use calming techniques such as mindful breathing or grounding to bring you back to reality.
gentleSun78
May 28th, 2020 5:17am
When someone is around big crowds, it is natural to be more shy than if you are with only one friend. Where you are with only one friend, nobody else is listening or can listen to what you are talking about. Therefore you can tell your friend whatever is on your mind. If you are around big crowds, you can't talk about everything what is on your mind and have to be really careful not to tell anything what isn't suitable for wrong ears. Not everyone is entitled to hear about your intimacy, your intimate issues, intimate struggles, etc.
generousTurtle9108
May 22nd, 2020 10:33pm
First of all, it is very common for people to feel uncomfortable around large crowds. This is probably adaptive in some circumstances as well. Acknowledging that this is not an uncommon experience may first help to appreciate that there is nothing per se "wrong" with this emotion, but rather that the shyness is telling you some important information about yourself. For example, perhaps being shy in a crowd stems from a fear of being judged by others. What could that concern tell you about your core beliefs about yourself, or about the world, or about your values? Perhaps, for example, it demonstrates that you value harmonious relationships with others, or that you distrust strangers / that the world is a dangerous place, or that you are in some way "less than" those around you in the crowd. It could be all or none or some other reason. There may be may different reasons, though often shyness stems from a general worry that hits close to a core belief of being judged by others.
YouthfulPillowcase
April 9th, 2020 1:41am
Maybe it is just the fact you don’t have an existing relationship with people in a crowd and you are frightened of making a bad impression.It is quite natural because throughout human evolution there wasn’t very much need for skills to deal with other such issues. The opposite could even be said to be me true as a lot of people feel they have a fight or flight response to big crowds. With one friend you only have to connect with with them and there is therefore less at stake in the case of a slip up .
BonsaiPeace
February 7th, 2020 7:28am
I can really relate to this kind of shyness; I used to feel it often. Whenever I was in a large group of people, I would feel pressure to act in ways that would please as many people as possible (or, at least, not displease them). Learning to become more aware of that need and practicing easing up on it gradually helped me feel more relaxed and comfortable in large groups. Although I still feel some shyness in that particular situation, I find that just giving myself permission to be aware of it--and not fight it--helps me start to relax and feel more comfortable, more like the way I feel with one person (like a friend). This technique feels a little awkward at first, and it takes some practice (and a bit of courage!), but it gets easier the more you do it. I hope that helps.
juhannus
February 13th, 2020 1:16am
For me personally, being around one friend offers some familiarity. You know this one person better than you know a whole crowd and the emotional connection between the two of you may make you feel more seen or in a comfortable setting. For me, the prospect of going to a large event such as a party seems really fun, but when I'm there I find myself only wanting to interact with a friend. As I'm an introvert, fewer people around me let me have fun and express myself. Putting yourself out there may take work, but that is perfectly okay! We all pull our energy from different places and all have different needs.
cherrybl0ss0m
March 29th, 2020 5:18am
It's probably because they give you a sense of comfort and security! There is a lot of anxiety being around big crowds, which is perfectly normal to an extent. Having someone with you that you've known and have a connection with will soothe some of that anxiety and shyness. If you are especially close to this person, like if you've known them for a while, or know them very well, or if you just feel very safe around them, it could surely contribute. It's a similar thing to having an item of comfort for young children, like a blanket or a stuffed animal.
WildflowerHeather
April 9th, 2020 9:06pm
Crowds are full of unknown, people you’ve never met, strangers, loud people, and it can sometimes feel like chaos. When you are with just one friend, it is a comfortable warm environment, and it’s just you and them. You are safe, you feel safe. There’s none of that uncertainty you feel in a crowd. Since you know them better as well, it is easier to talk and it is easier to be calm. Crowds are harder to trust. Probably the most obvious reason is that it’s much easier to manage talking with one person than it is to be with a large group. It’s overall more controlled.
Anonymous
May 1st, 2020 8:20am
I believe that it is because I feel secure when I am with my friends and know my friends' reactions. Therefore, I am relaxed compared me in crowds. It is also related the possiblity of making mistakes in front of crowds. It makes me frustrated if I say or do something embarrassing. I believe that people can get over it by making practices. For example, presentations, starting to be with small groups, and taking feedback from the audience. Also, imagining how I should talk before my presentations helps me to increase my self confidence and cut off my shyness
Anonymous
August 21st, 2020 3:28pm
I think it's normal to be shy around big crowds, especially if it's not something you do on a consistent basis. Being around big crowds can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when alone. It makes it really difficult to socialize with others when you don't know anyone. I think that's where having a friend around is helpful. Your friend can help you get through the crowd if you need to. They can unknowingly provide you the support you need in a sea of people by simply just being there and tackling the feeling of loneliness and shyness. For example, attending a music concert hosted by a popular artist by yourself can be a bit scary. While you may have some common ground and similar interests with the other people attending the concert, it can be overwhelming. If you were able to have a trustworthy, reliable friend by your side, you can socialize with each other. You can also build confidence in each other to approach other attendees and start up some conversations.