CHAPTER 13

SHY AND QUIET

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“Fear of danger is ten thousand times more terrifying than danger itself.”

—Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe

What evil lurks in their hearts? That's what others think of people who keep to themselves and don't share feelings of joy, sadness, love, or hate. These loners may simply be shy, quiet, or timid, but the message to coworkers is there: “Leave me alone! You touch me [my feelings] and break my wall, and you'll pay.” Coworkers think, “He's up to something sneaky,” “She's such a snob,” or “He's antisocial; he must really hate all of us.” So they stay away from these quiet people, not knowing what to do. But these quiet ...

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