[Espy]

Well, you know what shyness is. I was shy as a kid. I'm usually not, now.

I like explaining the difference between introverted and extroverted with the energy thing. I'll try to phrase it in a more understandable way.

Sure, everyone eventually wants to take a break from being around other people, but introverts will actually feel a need to take a break and recharge. It doesn't have to be a large group -- even being two or three other people can start to feel taxing after a short while.

In my case, I experience it as sensory overload and extreme irritability, but that might also be a product of depression + anxiety + ADHD. I enjoy parties, but only for a couple hours at a time. I've had friends asking me if I was okay when I went upstairs to sit alone for a bit at a party where there were quite a few people and many that I didn't personally know. I had to go upstairs because I couldn't hear myself think.

And of course sitting by yourself for too long can make you feel lonely, but introverts basically recharge their batteries by just doing their thing, by themselves, for some time. Being left alone means you can think freely, without having to worry about other people, their thoughts, and what they take offense to.

I can't really speak for extroverts, but from what I know, being alone is taxing. It feels too confining, and they need to take a break by going out and being around people.

EDIT: I should mention that I see shyness as, needing more time than "average" to open up to people. You can be extroverted and shy.