The quote from Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" distinguishes between shyness and shame. Shyness refers to the feeling of hesitance or reluctance that arises when one desires something but feels unable to pursue it, often leading to avoidance. It reflects a longing that is overshadowed by fear or anxiety.

On the other hand, shame relates to the instinct to reject or distance oneself from something negative or undesirable. It represents a protective mechanism, where the individual turns away from feelings or experiences that evoke discomfort or inadequacy. Together, these concepts reveal the complexities of emotional experiences and how they shape our interactions with the world.