A Comparison of Avoidant Personality Style Versus Disorder
Personality Style  Personality Disorder  Comfortable with habit,
repetition, and routine Prefer the known to the unknown
Exaggerate the potential difficulties, physical dangers, or
risks involved in doing something ordinary, but outside their
usual routines Close allegiance to family and/or a few close
friends; tend to be homebodies Have no close friends or
confidants or only one-other than first-degree relatives; avoid
activities that involve significant interpersonal contact
Sensitive and concerned about what other think of them Tend to
be self-conscious and worriers Unwilling to become involved with
people unless certain of being liked; easily hurt by criticism
or disapproval  Very discreet and deliberate in dealing with
others Fear being embarrassed by blushing, crying, or showing
signs of anxiety in front of other people Tend to maintain a
reserved, self-restrained demeanor around others Reticent in
social situations because of a fear of saying