Shyness and confidence are related, but they’re not the same thing.

A shy person can still be confident in their abilities or self-worth, but they might feel uncomfortable in social situations. An outgoing person might seem confident because they’re more comfortable engaging with others, but that doesn’t always mean they’re more self-assured.

Confidence is about how you feel about yourself, while being outgoing is more about how you interact with others. So, a shy person can be just as confident, if not more so, than someone who’s outgoing.

Actress Emma Watson is often described as introverted and shy, especially in public settings.  She has confidence in her values, such as advocating for gender equality and her work as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador showing how shyness doesn’t have to undermine self-assurance.

Comedian Robin Williams was known for being charismatic, quick-witted, and outgoing in his performances and public appearances. Despite this, he struggled with deep internal battles including depression and self-doubt. His ability to make people laugh didn’t necessarily reflect his inner sense of confidence showing that outward charm doesn’t always equal inner confidence.

True confidence comes from embracing who you are and trusting your abilities, not from how others perceive you.

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