Shy? Fake being not.

[Novara]

10. Introversion and shyness are not the same thing

I'm both - shy and an introvert.

When I was a kid I was too shy to raise my hand in first grade because I needed to go to the bathroom. So I peed my pants. I've mostly overcome that sort of painful, extreme shyness as I grew older. Now, people don't believe me when I tell them I'm shy.

But all my life, being in social situations drains my energy after a short time. I have to go home and recharge. Alone. Too many people in one place, too much activity makes me feel hemmed-in and claustrophobic. I hate crowds. Extroverts are energized by crowds; introverts are drained by crowds.

That's the difference. Shy people are afraid to mingle, afraid to speak up. Introverted people can converse with others just fine, but it can be draining.