On first encounter social phobic individuals stand out as remote and self-involved. Although on duty (e.g. about to present) or in attendance (e.g. Christmas party), they hardly participate in the ongoing social activity (e.g introducing themselves to others, exchanging pleasantries, dancing), being apart – sometimes literally. When engaged by others, they remain passive, reply tersely and appear distracted, liable to lapse into embarrassing silences or become overtalkative. Physically, they keep a distance and look away, stiff rigidity alternating with noticeable agitation (tremors, perspiration, blushing, faltering voice).

Extended in time and ranging over numerous social occasions, the social phobic pattern of conduct is strongly characterized by self-protective evasion of challenging encounters, flight for safety and avoidance – if possible – of situations in which one might be carefully scrutinized and found wanting or altogether undesirable. As a manner of speaking, social phobia might be typified by what such individuals fail to do (e.g. take a stand, initiate, take charge) and achieve socially (e.g. associates, friends, spouses).

Many activities essential to normal life (e.g. presenting, negotiating, courting) are struggled with tentatively or given up in despair – with serious consequences. Possibilities of promotion, forging partnerships, and making new friends are often forgone. In the limited number of encounters they participate in, such individuals say little, hardly expressing feelings or opinions. Their very suffering is usually kept hidden; the state of apprehension they usually experience is typically dissembled. What might account for this unusual pattern of reticence?