@John
I would think being behind a fursuit would help with the shyness. But maybe that is just me.
It might. I've heard that happens for a lot of people.If you chose another sona that wasn't a lion, what would you choose and why?
Definitely a bear. In some ways, I feel like I have more in common with them than cats (although I have a stronger affinity for cats). For one thing, I like to hibernate!
I also identify with the way that bears are big and strong, but even though they eat meat and are capable of terrible violence, they're not primarily predatory (except polar bears). They'd much rather eat honey and berries, and fish for salmon than chase something down.
I'm a big guy, about 6'4", and I've noticed that some people are a little intimidated by my size at first, but I'm super chill. And despite my love of martial arts and medieval weaponry, I'm very non-violent. Not a pacifist, but it would take a LOT to get me to throw a punch.
So yeah, I identify with bears being big and kinda scary, but mostly laid back.