Though it is
typical of people to do so, "shyness" is not to be confused with "
introversion," nor used synonymously with it.
Shyness is marked by a lack of
confidence or skill in interacting with
other people or participating in
social activities. Introversion is just a
preference for quiet and solitude (the better to
introspect, of course) over noisy gatherings, a tendency to form very close
friendships with a choice few people, etc. An introvert is not necessarily socially
crippled.
It has even been hypothesized that one can be a shy extrovert. I would tend to agree, from observing the neuroses of my first girlfriend...