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

Chances are, you have more of an introvert type personality! Large groups can be scary because you may not know who is all in the group and they tend to get very loud. One-on-one encounters are more private and intimate. There's not a bunch of unpredictable people, there's one person you trust and (usually) like being around. Take it easy and try not to get too overwhelmed with the amount of people. Good luck!

Crowds can be intimidating, and it takes time to get used to them and being comfortable around them. Just like you may have been shy around a new friend but opened up as time passed, crowds can be opened up to if you give it enough time!

It may be because you're more comfortable with personal and meaningful conversations with a friend, rather than an impersonal and formal conversation with a large group of people.

it can be very overwhelming to be in crowds when you're by yourself. having another person with you just gives you courage and doesn't make you feel so alone, someone to be yourself around is always good when you're in a crowded place - you won't feel so anxious!

That one friend makes you grounded, in that moment. You have a familiar face, friend, feeling. Big crowds can be frightening and unexpected. With the friend, the friend makes you feel safe.

Because you're out of your comfort zone. There's not familiar elements around you and that makes you feel uncomfortable and shy.

Maybe its the feeling of not knowing every single person in that crowd! Or even feeling Intimidated, worried or unaware of everything thats going on around you. There could be an event or something that triggered this but it could simply be the Idea of adaptation or something environmental!

Based on my personal experience, I feel more comfortable with people that I know well and feel less judged around them. In big crowds, it can often be overwhelming as there are often people you don't know and are not as comfortable around.

Perhaps you aren't confident on your own, as if your friend is your safety blanket who could help deal with unfamiliar situations.

Personally I find it daunting to speak in groups. Everyone is looking at you and you start to fear that they're secretly judging you. When you speak with one person, it's less pressure to try and make good impressions with many people at once , and you tend to feel more comfortable talking one-on-one cos it's just one person you are giving your attention to and vice versa, as opposed to a ton of people in one space. Hope this makes sense :)