‘Trembling’ is part of me: Yozoh advises on lifelong shyness

A person in their mid-50s, who wishes to remain anonymous and is referred to as 'Vibrato,' has reached out for advice regarding lifelong shyness and difficulty speaking with others. Musician and author Yozoh, who offers 'book prescriptions' for reader concerns, acknowledges the deep-seated nature of this struggle.

Yozoh questions the motivation behind Vibrato's desire for change, posing whether it stems from a genuine personal desire or a sense of obligation dictated by societal expectations or age. "Is the heart that led you to write this closer to desire or obligation?" Yozoh asks, suggesting that at Vibrato's age, one might typically resign themselves to such traits.

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Is the heart that led you to write this closer to desire or obligation?

To aid in self-discovery, Yozoh recommends Édouard Levé's novel 'Self-Portrait.' The book's fragmented, introspective style, with sentences often beginning 'I,' encourages readers to compare their own experiences and potentially emulate the author's self-examination. Yozoh advises Vibrato to embrace their 'tremors' without judgment, viewing them simply as a characteristic, not a flaw.

Ultimately, Yozoh encourages Vibrato to attend social gatherings despite their nervousness. "Let's go to the meeting, tremors and all," Yozoh suggests, drawing a parallel to their own experience of performing on stage with trepidation. The advice emphasizes that feeling nervous is a natural part of engaging with the world.

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Let's go to the meeting, tremors and all.