When social fear and shyness develop in childhood, the symptoms generally last for years to adulthood. Relationships and family functioning may suffer as a result of a social fear. Shyness and social fear may look different in young people than in elderly people. Adults recognize the unreasonableness of their discomfort in social situations, children may not have that understanding. Younger children with social fear may protest when forced to leave parents. Adults facing a social encounter refuse interaction, avoid group gatherings and describe little interest in socializing. They are frequently preoccupied with negative views of themselves.