Book excerpt: Even though statisticians report that more than 37 million Americans suffer from diagnosable social phobia, common sense suggests that nearly all of us have, at one time or another, had clammy palms and knocking knees because of an intimidating, uncomfortable social situation. The party where you donít know a single soul, the crowded lobby of a movie theatre, the presentation youíve been dreading for weeks-any of these have the potential to ruin your week without necessarily sending you to the psychiatristís couch. The ten simple exercises in this book help you shed your shyness and start socializing with confidence and Èlan. 10 Simple Solutions to Shyness examines shyness by symptoms: physical discomfort, anxious thoughts, and bothersome behaviors. Solutions follow, directly addressing all three. You can carry the book in a briefcase or purse for last minute support and extra confidence. Once the ten simple solutions are learned, they will become your constant companions, providing courage, poise, and composure whenever you need them most.