阅读理解 You are not alone in feeling shy?although it may fee!that way sometimes．Shyness is difficult to define(定义), but certainly millions of people experience it ail around the world．Shyness seems to be a form of social anxiety, where a person may experience a range of feelings from mild anxiety in the presence of others to a severe anxiety disorder． The word "shy" can be used loosely in everyday conversation, and it's important to remember that people who may seem shy don't always have social problems．Everyone can be shy in certain situations they find uncomfortable．Also, some people are naturally quieter than others and prefer to Interact with small groups of people．Shyness isn't necessarily a problem, but it sounds as though it's become a problem for you．Regardless of whether you're loud or quiet, outgoing or reserved, you deserve to feel good about yourself． Since shyness is now being recognized as a real social problem, there is considerable research being conducted toward identifying ways to help shy people．Shyness clinics offer methods of treatment ranging from building social and cognitive(认知)skills, to techniques to reduce anxiety．You may always be a little shy, but with professional help, you can learn behavior that wi!l benefit your professional and personal life． Plenty of resources are available to help you get there．You might first try your school or neighborhood's Counseling(心理辅导)service．If you are at Columbia, you can call Counseling and Psychological Services(CPS)at 804－2878 for an appointment to begin short－term counseling．If you and your counselor feel that you need more time than what is offered by the university, he or she will refer you to a few doctors who are familiar with your type of problem．The Health Service Fee includes coverage for a part of the cost of off－campus treatment．In addition, the Comprehensive level of Columbia's Student Medical Insurance Plan offers additional coverage．You've taken a big step by asking this question．Keep in mind that counseling could be a helpful choice; and that if you're not sure how to start the conversation, your counselor will be able to begin the process．Lots of luck! | 
