I have been called shy by one or more people, including one girl who did not realize how introverted I was, but I am not shy enough to not initiate a conversation, though I only do it when small groups are around or something catches my eye, as I notice things that people overlook.
I hate public speaking, because I do not feel like I can be myself there like I can in writing, and almost every place where public speaking takes place has people behind me, which means I have to anticipate what might happen, and I also enjoy the silence that comes from being alone, though I cannot handle being alone for too long.