Have you thought of reframing your shyness as being self-sufficient?

I attend professional conferences from time to time. I used to so envy how some people easily hooked up with others. Off they went for lunch, dinner, all kinds of amusements.

I made a point of hooking up with others. As I matured, I realized that I need more down-time and alone-time than most people. I often wonder why some people are so uncomfortable in their own presence that they have to seek endlessly to be with other people.

Don't get me wrong. I can feel defective when I hang back on the sides of a crowd. But it gives me a headache, too.

Give yourself time to find your own balance, and be patient with yourself.