Listen to me. I'm shy. I'm not stupid. I can't meet people's eyes. I don't know if you understand what that's like. There's a whole world going on around me, I'm aware of that. It's not because I don't want to look at you, Lucinda. It's that I don't want to be seen.
The quote reflects the inner struggle of a shy individual who feels deeply aware of their surroundings yet remains unable to engage with others. The speaker acknowledges their shyness and the difficulty in making eye contact, emphasizing that this behavior stems not from ignorance, but from a desire to avoid being seen and judged by others.
This sentiment encapsulates the tension between self-awareness and social interaction, highlighting how anxiety can hinder genuine connections. The speaker's plea for understanding reveals a poignant truth about the complexities of human emotions, particularly for those who navigate the world with a sense of vulnerability.