Bashfulness is a shy, self-conscious feeling that makes you hesitant to speak up or draw attention to yourself. When you feel bashful, you might look at your feet instead of making eye contact, speak quietly, or hold back from raising your hand even when you know the answer.

Bashfulness often shows up in new or unfamiliar situations. A student might feel bashful on the first day at a new school, or when meeting their best friend's parents for the first time. Someone who usually talks easily with friends might become bashful when asked to perform in front of an audience.

Bashfulness isn't the same as being unfriendly. A bashful person might really want to join a conversation or make friends, but something holds them back. They might smile and turn red instead of saying hello, or whisper a response instead of speaking clearly.

Many people outgrow bashfulness as they gain confidence, though even adults can feel bashful in certain situations. The opposite of bashfulness is boldness or confidence: speaking up clearly, making eye contact, and feeling comfortable being noticed.