I am also very shy and have been so most of my life. I know I wasn't shy when I started kindergarten, but something triggered my shyness during that time and I've been battling it since. I grew up in a very small town that only had one race in it (I'm half/half) and was teased and taunted all the time. Everyone watched my every move and when I spoke, all eyes were on me and people started whispering and saying things behind my back (even my teachers). I'm sure this had a lot to do with my fear of speaking and being around others. I have gotten to the point where I don't care what people think or say about me, but I don't understand why I'm still so shy.