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

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.

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.

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.

Though we are all different and the answer could vary from one person to another, it could be due to a few things. Based off my experience with shyness and the knowledge I have on social structure it's likely to be down to your comfort level and personal confidence. You could feel overwhelmed in a big crowd of people and feel shy as a result. Seeing as you are all alone in a big crowd it's common with people to experience uncomfortableness alone as we have no one or nothing to cling onto for safety making us feel unsafe in a sense. As well as that is could be linked to confidence as well as the more confidence we have the most self assured we are so less likely to feel shy in an overwhelming situation. When you are with one friend you have a higher sense of safety as you have a person to stay near to that you are comfortable with, providing you with a sense of security. That friend can also be a large reassurance to any overwhelming feelings you have or boost your confidence as you feel safe in their presence to be yourself (which means being more outgoing VS shy when you're alone).

Oh! That's simple. You are more comfortable with that friend and you are an introvert. That is what happens to introverts usually. Well, you can not do anything in it. Because this is your personality trait. But still try to built up your Self-confidence more by practicing the talks before hand in your mind that may help you. I am an introvert and that's what I usually do okay. I just practice the important talks before hand so that I can speak with confidence. I think this can help you. Well, this works for me. So, I wish works for you too.

Social anxiety hits a lot of people nowadays. We tend to get concerned about how people perceive us and it makes us very self conscious and unfortunately, it gives us anxiety that makes us shy away from big groups of people that we dont feel totally comfortable with. Working on your confidence is the key. You can build that confidence by removing the fear or false thoughts by tracking them (there are amazing proven techniques for it ), learning how you feel and working on your your mental health can and will solve this. You will feel more relaxed in this situation as soon as you break the barrier in yourself that makes you feel this way. :)

You may not be comfortable around big groups either because you do not know them like you do your friend, or it could be a difference in introversion and extroversion. Introverts spend energy by spending time with people while extroverts gain energy from spending time with people. Extroverts are known to be big with crowds and large groups of friends while introverts are known to enjoy spending more time alone or in small gatherings. What you should ask yourself is, Is this related to how well I know the people in the crowd, or is this more related to being introverted.

Around big crowds, there is a fear of the unknown, that I wont respond in the right way, that I will stick out, I will be judged by my race ethnicity or religion and not by who I truly am. However these thoughts running around my head are predisposed because people couldn't care less, many are just as preoccupied with their own worries and stress. When it comes to friends they know me, who I am and will accept me as a person. I feel accepted and comfortable to be myself without feeling judged. There's no fear of awkward silences, more comfortable.

being shy in big crowds is totally normal! Not everyone is an extrovert. It’s sometimes overwhelming when there’s multiple people around you, especially when they’re not people you’re used to or comfortable with yet. If it’s a problem, slowly work up to it, don’t be afraid to speak up or say your opinion. If you’re worried about what others think, don’t be! You are the only validation you need. I myself struggle all the time in big crowds. I slowly worked my way up and became more and more comfortable with speaking out loud and being open. It just takes time, and a little courage. Life is short! Don’t be afraid, just work at it!

Of course I don't know specifics about your situation, but for me, it comes down to trust. When you're in a big crowd, you most likely haven't gotten to know / trust most people in the crowd. When you're just with a friend, though, you feel like you're able to trust them because you're friends. Something else that it could be is just feeling overwhelmed, I know that happens to me as well. It can definitely be overwhelming in large crowds, whereas with just one friend there's not much to be overwhelmed about, and so you're more comfortable in that situation.