Dreadfully shy teenager

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Hello I have a Teen acquaintance (girl 17) who is lovely, helpful, kind, volunteers at kids clubs, plays music, dances, bright, funny and all good things.

But when in the company of new people/situations is dreadfully shy. She walls around with startled deer eyes and will not speak to anyone, and it is sometimes a battle to her places in the first place.

Is there anything I can do to help her? I am worried that it will hold her back, as she has a lot to offer, but if you met her, you'd think she was just an inarticulate grunting teenager, bordering on rude :(

Perhaps you could try new people in a familiar place?

Get someone new to ask her about something she is passionate about.

I was exactly like this at that age. My DD has been like this too as a preteen although she is a bit better now.

My view is to leave her be, and if other people think she's rude that's their problem. It's easier said than done, but encouraging / forcing her out of it is likely to be counter-productive.

I got better in my early 20's when I started working and I had to talk to customers. Now if I'm anxious I just pretend I'm at work!

Also alcohol helps! (irresponsible!)