Shy v. Introvert

They are actually very different things. Shy means having a fear of social rejection while introvert means that you don't need very much social stimulation. You can be shy and extroverted, or outgoing and introverted. Some of the quietest people I know are quite outgoing, but they just don't feel the need to be around people all the time. I am definitely shy, and usually introverted, but sometimes I do need people but I get very nervous around them. So what about you? Are you truly shy or just an introvert?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Caroline LM on April 1, 2012 at 11:22am

Both. If I'm struggling to make friends I can manage on my owm just fine.

Permalink Reply by Rae Fuzzledalek on April 1, 2012 at 1:21pm

I'm introverted when I'm around people that I already know, and I'm really shy when I'm around people that I don't know. And by shy, I mean I make a grade-A fool of myself trying not to be the only person in the room who's sitting by herself in a corner.

Permalink Reply by Joy Lastname on April 1, 2012 at 1:57pm

I'm both. A lot of my shyness probably comes out of awkward situations that have come out of me being an introvert though... So in a way, they're all connected for me.

Also, just because it's relevant, here's a really interesting (in my opinion :P) article about introverts:

http://www.carlkingdom.com/10-myths-about-introverts

Permalink Reply by Kathryn_never_Quathyryn on April 1, 2012 at 6:08pm

http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts.html

Permalink Reply by Kathryn_never_Quathyryn on April 1, 2012 at 6:09pm

I thought this was relevant as well.

Permalink Reply by Aron Jonsson on April 3, 2012 at 7:09am

I usually don't feel I need other people around me. But when I do, my shyness keeps me from talking to them.

Permalink Reply by Boo Radley on April 3, 2012 at 8:17am

I'm a mix. It just depends on the people I'm around.

Permalink Reply by Gage Williams on April 3, 2012 at 9:43pm

im outgoing and a total spaz but cant talk to people well at all.

Permalink Reply by Samantha Bree Anderson on April 13, 2012 at 11:15pm

both :o groupfriendships always end badly for me, flying solo is much easier. mostly because once i get pushed out of group im to shy to try and find someone else. oh well

Permalink Reply by Secret Racket on April 18, 2012 at 10:35am

I think it can change. I was introverted and as a result my shyness probably wasn't as much of a problem as it is now. I'm more extroverted these days and need to be able talk to people more in order to do the things I want to do, but the shyness somehow means I find it exhausting!

Permalink Reply by Kathryn_never_Quathyryn on April 18, 2012 at 3:16pm

I know EXACTLY how you feel

Permalink Reply by Lisbeth on April 19, 2012 at 12:56pm

Mostly, I'm an introvert. Well both, but mostly an introvert. But when it comes to talking to strangers or guys I like, I'm just plain shy! But I guess, that has its roots in me being an introvert as well, since I don't really get social norms and - well - people... so to speak... hard to explain, especially in not-my-mothertounge... yeah, I'm mostly an introvert!