When I think about it long and hard I would have to say I am very introverted(as in inward thinking and inwardly motivated) but I don't think I was ever shy. I am also perhaps a bit arrogant compared to many NT women I have come accros. As a very young child I would watch people and decide if I wanted to talk to them or have anything to do with them at all before I would commit very much, but this to me seems clever not shy. I may have appeared shy but if people did the worng thing by me they would soon learn I wasn't. I am the only female child in the middle of 4 boys so enjoy a good debate/argument and conflict still does not bother me in the least. At least I know where I stand at those times, when in other "friendly" circumstances I can be at a loss.
cheers