Something realized

Recently my friend posted on his blog asking basically why no one comments that much on his blog entries or engages with him in meaningful conversations about them. His entry made me think of why I don't. I have but not every time or that often. Too be honest I am intimidated by the entries a little thinking maybe I don't understand what he is trying to say but I have many opinions on the matters he has brought up. The other truth is I have come to realize is I am terrified of being thought of in a negative way. I guess this would be most people but what I also came to realize with this is that it has become worse in the last 2 or 3 years. Because at one point I was told a few things about myself that made me think wow, I had no idea that people saw me like that. Although those revealed personalty traits may have only been noticed or disliked by those people. In any case it affected me very much so. To the point of now having an almost paralyzing fear of sharing my thoughts or ideas. I used to be the first one to speak up or share and granted I still am on occasion but more or less I notice myself waiting for a minute to see if anyone else will speak. Then when I do take my turn I am worried about what they are thinking of what I am saying. I am all for debate though when something means a lot to me. But as I have grown older I have fallen back on the old saying "its not worth it". So at times I say yeah I have an opinion but maybe it is just not worth the effort or criticism. So here I sit wanting and having so much to share and say but never letting it out. (sigh) Is it worth it?