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

Well....that is a symptom of social anxiety but I will not jump to conclusions and say that you have socia anxiety. Maybe it’s because you’re quite introverted and you’re only comfortable talking to one individual rather than talking in a crowd, because that’s quite nerve racking

It’s called social anxiety, you most like don’t know anyone in the crowd when you’re alone. So you feel uncomfortable, but when you’re with a friend, it’s not that bad. You may still get the feeling but not to that big of a fret.

Being around big crowds can often make someone feel out of control and over stimulated, whereas being with one person give you control and security. Which is rightfully accepted.

For many people, the main reason we are shy in big crowds is because of the constant feeling of judgement from the public. When with friends, they are people we know that know all about us.

For me, it's because being with someone close almost makes me forget about the rest of the world. I don't feel so anxious and self-conscious when I'm with someone. Like, if I'm alone, I feel more vulnerable, and if I'm with someone close, I feel safe. It's almost like I blend in rather than being alone and sticking out.

It can be uncomfortable to be around a lot of people who you are unfamiliar with because there is a fear that the people around you won't understand your behavior or your personality, but with a friend, everything you share with them is more personal, and since you've already bonded with them, it eliminates the process of making first impressions. Plus, you don't feel as overwhelmed around your friend whereas larger crowds tend to make you feel as though your input is minimized.

Answering the question is easy for me as I am exactly the same in crowd situations I can be really self aware and shy however it is much more relaxed in a one to one situation. I think this is quite a normal responce. Maybe if it concerns you do a course for public speaking. Just for fun. This would build confidence and make new aqaintances along the way.

You must really trust your friend and realize how much you can be you without being judged, but knowing that it's alright to be yourself can help a lot

I am the same way. When I am with 1-2 people I am fine but in crowds I am very shy. I tend to think it is because I don’t like people touching me or being too close to me.

You're probably shy around big crowds because you don't know anyone and then you're fine when you're with one friend because you know that person, so you're comfortable.

It’s sometimes really hard to be around a big group of friends. Overwhelming I can say. Start small with 4 or 5 friends

Usually, that would mean you are an introvert, a person who prefers one on one time will people, and not with large crowds.

For me, at least, crowds are just overwhelming. There are so many people that can judge me, dislike me, and what not. When I'm with one friend, I know I'm not in their way or third wheeling. I know that they actually want to spend time with me. With a crowd, I don't have that reassurance. "They probably don't want me here; I should just go home." is constantly playing in my head when I'm with a crowd. Even if I know in my heart of hearts that that's not true, it's still there to worry about. That's my reasoning for being shy in a crowd, although it may be different for others.

Sounds like it could be social anxiety. You may not be comfortable around all of those people and your one friend may be the person you are comfortable with.

Sometimes when a person is socially anxious your mind starts to think that big crowds are a chance you can embarrass yourself in front of more people but one on one it’s just more real to some people like there is no social barrier when you’re with 1 person.

It sounds like crowds can be overwhelming for you whilst you can feel much more comfortable with of few people that you know

Our friends or the people around us who make us feel safe are usually easy to shine around. However, when in big crowds you don't know who is there or what anybody is thinking or plotting, you may feel like people are judging you or like anybody could be potentially dangerous. This is common, and it seems like you're experiencing some anxiety.

Some people are more introverted and prefer a smaller group. Another thing is that you probably aren't as close to every single person in a big crowd as you are with one friend or a few.

You might be experiencing anxiety or stage fright. A lot of people feel this way and it isn't rare. You could also be comfortable with your friends but not with a large group of strangers.

Well when we are with friends, we feel more comfortable to be ourselves because they accept us for who we are. With crowds, that's a whole other story.

Being shy around big crowds can be caused by anxiety or a phobia but when with a friend you know the person well and feel comfortable and confident around them

People are harder to read in a crowd. Its much easier to evaluate a persons expressions when its just one or two people vs. twelve of them.

Crowds, especially of strangers, make many people uncomfortable. Taking deep breaths and focusing on the people you know is helpful in crowds.

We often find big groups to be daunting. If there are many people, especially if we don't know them very well, it feels like we have an audience, and the attention is completely on us, and when people are busy talking to other people we can feel too intimidated to start a conversation. When we're with just one friend, there's a 50:50 chance that you have to start the conversation, meaning that it's easier to talk to them because starting a conversation is usually the hardest part. It would also be more awkward if nobody said anything, and you don't feel like you have an entire audience, as there's just one person there. One thing's for sure, and that is that this is completely normal; many people prefer small groups of less than 3 people than large groups, and it's completely okay.

It may be social anxiety, however, when you're with your friend, you're closer and more comfortable with them than a big crowd of acquaintances or strangers.

I fully get what you mean by this . The reason for this is because you and your friend are fully cormfortable around eachother . And I’m big crowds you don’t really know anyone.

Have no fear, you are so not alone in this. When I'm with my friends, I can be super confident and laugh a lot and be generally merry, but put in a room full of strangers, and bam. I've turned into a sad little muffin who avoids eye contact at all costs. I feel like it's because I trust my friends not to judge me. I know they're not going to look at me and say "She is such a loser." I feel safe with them, like nothing can touch me, because I know they have my back. Lots of people, however, even people I'm acquainted with, can cause me to freak out that they're all silently judging me, or only pretending to like me. I feel like a lot of people have this issue, but try not to worry about it. Chances are, people are not trying to pick out your every flaw.

Sometimes being around a lot of unfamiliar people can be nerve-wracking and uncomfortable, they are strangers and therefore you might not know quite how to act around them, thus making you uncomfortable. When you are with one friend, on the other hand, they are a familiar person, and you know how you can act around them without offending or hurting them.

Often this could be a form of anxiety, such as social or agoraphobia - it feels like there's too much attention on you and therefore too much weight to your words. Plus, you may feel like you don't know some of the people that well and therefore are concerned about their reaction to whatever you say. It is completely natural, and thus find relief, compassion and confidence in the reality that almost each and every individual in that crowd probably feels the same nervousness and anxiety.

I think the most likely reason is that when you're with your one friend you don't feel like you're being judged so you have no reason to feel shy. In a big crowd you become more self-conscious because you want them to accept you so you're more reserved. You might also have social anxiety.