I think shy is a very different thing and has very little to do with being introverted or extroverted. Extroverts are re-charged in groups. They may be quiet and not the life of the party — however — they draw energy and are ‘refreshed’ by being around other Humans. Introverts, on the other hand, might very well be the life of the party — BUT — it will cost them. They are ‘refreshed’ in solitude and alone time. Introverts are drained by groups of people.

I have found many of my introverted friends are empathic. Being around a group of Humans overloads their circuits and they will need a lot of down time after social engagements. A couple of them have breathed sighs of relief that the lockdown gave them a socially acceptable reason to isolate & recharge.

I am not terribly empathic. Which made me a good nurse because I could remain functional in the face of great suffering.

So there are 3 things going on here — someone being shy or not is more a personality trait — whether naturally inclined so or raised into that version of themselves. Introvert vs. extrovert — where do you best charge your batteries? And empath vs non-empath — how fluid are your boundaries to the suffering of other?

This is all just my perspective — from decades of observation of the behavior of myself & those around me. :) And no worries — everyone gets to have a REAL LIFE — not just their virtual one here on Medium. Many Blessings!