Why do some shy, insecure women flee when they find out their crush likes them back?

[Billyscotter]

Life has built-in programming: seek pleasure/comfort/safety, and avoid pain.

Most shy women are nervous and guarded when they're uncertain if a guy likes them, but are thrilled and relax a lot when they find out the guy likes her.

How does the rule "avoid pain, seek pleasure" apply, with women seem to lack confidence (who are likely very shy and insecure): who pursue when they're unsure whether the guy is into them, but flee when they find out he likes them back?

[NamerOfStars]

The same reason shy, insecure men do the same thing in the same situation. If it was as simple as "seek pleasure/avoid pain", then volunteer fire departments wouldn't exist. When you start getting into giant-sized mammal societies, rules a LOT more complicated, very fast.

In this case, though, it's only slightly more complex: seek pleasure/avoid risk. A guy who likes you back is a guy who may want to start up a relationship. A guy who may be an awful person, or an awful boyfriend. The risk of a possibly bad relationship may not be worth the loss of a cherished fantasy.

[Don-__-Don]

Lol, because no on expects it.

[Anonymous]

Oops I can relate. But I think it is because we’re not very open and expressive of ourselves, and when they start liking us what is that based off? Is it just superficial because of looks?

[TraceyByrd]

They don't value the person liking them back , it's like someone playing games with me on purpose. They don't bring nothing to the table 💯🙅

[MissGeorgia]

It's less to do with them being shy, and more to do with how they have been treated in the past...

[Hangry22]

Because we are shy and excited