Oh I am far from shy lol... I hate to offend people though..
Hi Molly,
Believe it or not, shyness is vital in Islam for both men & women. We often find that haya (shyness), humility and bashfulness is frowned upon by the West and is seen as anti-social, a weakness or a lack of confidence when, Infact these are quality of a dignified upright human being, who is conscious of their actions and their responsibilities in life.
Examples of shyness include where the believing men are suppose to lower their gaze and the believing women wearing their hijab.
Haya (shyness) and Iman (faith) are interdependent; therefore either they both exist together or they both perish. Thus, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in one hadith, "When there is no haya left, then do as you please."
Like the old American proverb goes, "You gotta have some shame in your game."