The gathering of the family during the holidays has long been a celebrated tradition rooted in both social and emotional factors. Nevertheless, the expectation for family members to reconnect, strengthen, and/or renew bonds is a strong force that often creates internal pressure – feelings of hope and anticipation coupled with anxiety, ambivalence, guilt, and fear of disappointment.

Shyness, introversion, and social anxiety are terms that have long been confused.  While social anxiety is a clinical diagnosis, introversion is actually a personality trait, an aspect of one’s temperament.