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

Some people just feel better when the things are private and it is okay to feel that way because when we are in a crowded place we have to be more careful about our words and attitude. However, some people have concerns about what others might think. When I find myself in this situation I tell myself that everyone has something to think about their own lives, so probably they don’t think about me and even if they do, I do nothing wrong, I’m just fine.

Based on my personal experience, being around a person that you know and trust gives you confidence to be yourself. When I am around big crowds I get shy because I feel overwhelmed and self conscious about how I look or what I am doing.

A crowd is a sea of many faces and minds. A friend is a known entity who can be compartmentalized. Basically, you're feeling a lack of control and a fear of the unknown.

In my own experience, i took it for social anxiety—and there may be an element of that happening in me or in you. But, i eventually discovered i was introverted. I’ve always been talkative so no one—including myself—caught it! Literally, I’m unable to focus when i try to engage in small talk, or in a group setting. My ears stop being able to pick out words in the conversation. Chit-chat irks me, too, so i ‘tune out.’ I’m my best one in one or in very small groups, only. And I’m even better when i get enough alone time! Perhaps this may be a part of what you’re experiencing too?

With a friend, you feel comforted and protected. Unlike when you are alone or around big crowds. That's what listeners are for, comfort.

I feel the same way and I always seem serious or uninterested in meetings where I don't know many people, but it's mostly cause I just can't relax or even make eye contact. I believe this is because I'm very self-conscious of myself and we can't fully interact with all, while with one person, I'm still self-conscious but it's either you or he-she talking and you can ask questions, make comments about anything or redeem yourself about misinterpretation easier than with many eyes on you.

Coming from experience, you feel that other people will judge you. But with a friend, you trust that she/he accepts you for you and that does not worry you. So you are open and free to her.

Introverts are shy they cant open up easily with strangers initially, once the initial clumsiness is done with, it becomes easy for them to interact smoothly

Big crowds can be scary. Your friends contain some familiarity so you can get comfortable. In a group of people you are not sure with, you are not very comfortable. It's not a bad thing, it's perfectly fine to be shy.

Being in large crowds tend to give people anxiety when around strangers and people you don't know, being with friends gives people comfort and warmth!