Is this considered a sin?

Sounds like a defect of character, not a sin. (The defect being sort of impulsively denying someone help which you might reasonably give, not being shy).

Wouldn't call it a defect of character. I understand the feeling, being quite shy myself. Next time you'll just not say no.

I'm super shy too. I was asked to help with baskets. My first reaction was to say "no", but I decided I'd never get over being shy if I kept avoiding social situations. So, I did it. I was nervous in the beginning, but I'm doing better now. (I've been helping with collections for about 2 months now.)
I totally understand where you're coming from. But, (in my case) I find that avoiding social situations just makes me even more shy.
If you want to be able to help, but feel too shy there might be something else you can do to help at your church with-out too much interaction. (And then work up to collections.)
When I first started helping at church I helped replace the candles when they were low (the ones you light for prayers). I worked alone, but was able to contribute at church at the same time. Then, I built up to collections.
I don't think it's a sin. It's just a difficulty that can be worked on over time.

I am shy too. Its a fear of rejection thing for me though if I say no to avoid a social situation....

Dont think its a sin to have a reaction like that.

Totally not the basket situation but all the moms at the end of the mass were asked to stand today while the rest of the church prayed over us and people saw me with my kids so i stood but felt really embarrassed the whole time because i hate standing out or being the center of attention at a time like that.

alucardr said:

At mass today I was offered to help with the collections basket. I declined the offer just because I'm a very shy person and that's how I typically react. It's like a reflex. Afterwards I felt bad about it though, realizing the guy was basically asking for my help and I flat out said no..

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No you did not refuse in full consent but out of an impulse. If you are not comfortable doing so, you are not required to help out.

If it comes up again though, consider that you may be blessed if you can put your anxiety aside to serve. In fact, I guarantee you that the more you do that, the less anxiety you will have.

1859 Mortal sin requires full knowledge and complete consent. It presupposes knowledge of the sinful character of the act, of its opposition to God's law. It also implies a consent sufficiently deliberate to be a personal choice. Feigned ignorance and hardness of heart do not diminish, but rather increase, the voluntary character of a sin.

Sorry bud, you are going to hell. Just kidding. I think I'd have the opposite problem: I am so timid that I would be afraid to say no, so I'd just suffer through helping them and resent them for asking.

Jared

alucardr said:

At mass today I was offered to help with the collections basket. I declined the offer just because I'm a very shy person and that's how I typically react. It's like a reflex. Afterwards I felt bad about it though, realizing the guy was basically asking for my help and I flat out said no..

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Many many moons ago, in a church far far away i was once asked. I just looked around and said to the guy, "who me?" ummm... ok. lol

Jared R said:

Sorry bud, you are going to hell. Just kidding. I think I'd have the opposite problem: I am so timid that I would be afraid to say no, so I'd just suffer through helping them and resent them for asking.

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That is so me! Last year, right before mass, I was asked to help take the bread/wine up during the offertary. It was my Granddad's funeral so there's no way I could say no. There was a few problems though. My granddad was a very important man in that church, so every pew was filled... And I am as shy as they come. So, when the time came, I (very reluctantly) went to the back along with another aunt of mine. She was a sneaky one, she dodged taking the wine and pushed me to take it up. I could see why she didn't wanna take it. It was a big jar filled with strong smelling wine and a smaller jar with filled with water, all sitting on top of a bulky glass tray. Worst part was, I was wearing some dodgy heels. My hands were shaking so much that you could just here that glass equipment jingling as I walked. All I could think was 'please dont fall please don't fall, are we at the front yet, please dont fall please dont fall'
Lucky I made it without incident
One things for sure...I'm not doing that again anytime in the near future, and if I do, i better be wearing sneakers