I wouldn't say I'm shy so much, but I'm very reserved during the first time I meet people. I prefer to listen and see what people are about before opening up to them myself. I feel I've always been a good listener and I can usually read into what people say quite well. If I'm unsure how to judge something I'll usually try to say something humorously ambiguous because I'll either inadvertently 'hit the nail on the head' or make them laugh, giving me information about them either way.

I'm reasonably introverted and often spend a significant amount of time on my own. I often imagine conversations I'm going to or might have almost obsessively. Trying out phrases with myself and gauging reactions or rehearsing responses to certain expected and unexpected questions. I'll also think of ways I can subtly steer a conversation towards something I want or have to say. I tend to predict correctly so it makes conversations quite easy to have but if it goes off to a completely unexpected route it can sometimes take a hit. Also, if someone just tries small talk with me I will shut off almost immediately. I absolutely deplore it.

However, when it comes to being with friends and family I often think of "You can tell you're close with someone when you can enjoy their company in silence".