> Most people don't realize there's a difference between shyness and introversion.
This is clear from a lot of the comments here. A person can prefer solitude (i.e. be introverted) and still carry on just fine in social situations without anxiety (i.e. shyness).
In writing about his own introversion, I think Thoreau summarized it well:
"To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude."
This is clear from a lot of the comments here. A person can prefer solitude (i.e. be introverted) and still carry on just fine in social situations without anxiety (i.e. shyness).
In writing about his own introversion, I think Thoreau summarized it well:
"To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude."