(Kind of.)

There was a time when that word was thrown around a lot. 

That I was shy. That I was quiet and introverted. 

Two of these things are true. One is not. 

I am undoubtedly introverted. 

I like my own company. I don’t like parties. I don’t like big, loud social gatherings. I burn out quickly if I have to talk to a lot of people. My ideal night would be peaceful and quiet, with an early bedtime. But, when I’m close to someone? It’s a whole different story. I am fiercely loyal, dedicated, and talkative. Definitely not shy. 

I am also quiet. 

I don’t particularly like talking to most people. There’s a lot of power in listening. I’ve had coworkers tell me that despite knowing me for months, they still know nothing about me. I don’t tend to share any details about my life. I don’t talk about much. But to people who I know, I am definitely chatty. There’s not a lot that I don’t want to share. 

I am not shy. 

Frankly, I never have been. I am a little bit… picky with my people. 

This is not the same as being shy. I tend to establish firm boundaries until I am comfortable around someone, which is often interpreted as shyness. But being shy comes with other things, like insecurity and social fears. But I am confident and very self-assured. 

The type of introvert I am may easily be interpreted as shyness. It’s worth it to analyze the difference.