Why do people think i'm shy?

Question

I don't talk an aweful lot... and i am quiet in class but when i am asked a question or if someone talks to me... i don't act shy. i am an introvert but i am confident and have good self-esteem. my friends don't think i'm shy, so how can i convince others i'm not?

Answer 1

It shouldnt matter what others think of you and you shouldnt have to make an effort to convince others that you are not shy. The fact will remain, you meet someone, become Friends and open up just fine. I dont see a problem here.  

Answer 2

B more social and give eye contact those r usually the 1st things I notice in shy people.

Answer 3

Well, Cool B, people will always judge you by the cover when they don't know you. If you are quiet, you are either shy or a snob. I get that a lot. Infact I've had people drop their mouths when somebody said am shy and when others said I am talkative.

If it bothers you too much that they think you are shy, make the effort to say hi to them and carry out small talk for only a minute. But if you know you are not shy, don't care too much what people think coz you will give yourself a coronary. People will always think what they want so let them.

Answer 4

Your friends know the truth.  I would say you are reserved really, but not shy.  If people get curious enough they will start talking to you.  But, if you must, try more eye contact.  

Answer 5

People often confuse quiet nature/introversion with shyness. And yes, they often go hand-in-hand, but it's not always the case. In my opinion, you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and have a sense of who you are, I wouldn't waste my breath even trying to convince someone you aren't shy. People are going to think what they want anyway.

You and your true friends know that you are an introvert. Realize that there is a difference between quietness/shyness, but people don't always know that. If you feel the need to convince them otherwise, just say this when people accuse you of being shy, "I see myself more as an introvert rather than being shy." They might ask the difference and then you can tell them the difference. That will allow them to see that they misjudged you wrong - and maybe they will think it over some before they label someone else as such! You don't have to go on convincing them, but you set them in their place in a nice, informative way.