What is the meaning of "Self-conscious"?
I know self-conscious means worrying about how other people think about you. For example, I'm very self-conscious about my appearance. But, in the next following example, I cannot how people are self-conscious in that kind of context. Can you help me?
When we hear that someone we care about has lost a job, started chemo, or is going through a divorce, our first impulse is usually “I should reach out.” Then right after that impulse doubts often flood our mind. “What if I say the wrong thing?” “What if talking about it makes her feel self-conscious?” “What if I’m overstepping?” Once raised, these doubts are followed by excuses like “He has so many friends and we’re not that close.” Or “She must be so busy. I don’t want to bother her.” We put off calling or offering help until we feel guilty that we didn’t do it sooner…and then it feels too late."