Characters in these manga suffer from extreme shyness or social anxiety. Their condition may be caused by a past trauma, a mental disorder, or other ongoing problem or phobia that makes it difficult for them to connect with others; such as a fear of physical contact or an aversion to public speaking. Some characters may be fighting to overcome their anxiety - or at least power through it enough to get on with their daily lives - while others have given up trying to come out of their shell and feel isolated or unable to relate to other people.