there's a difference between shyness and quietness. shyness is being afraid of saying what you'd like to say. quietness is reserve... actually not wanting to talk about certain things, keeping developing thoughts to yourself. not wanting people to know everything about you.

i was painfully shy a few years ago; i've grown more or less out of that (i have phases too) but i've discovered that i'm still reserved. my tendency to be quiet is innate.

(then there's also pride - not wanting to ask people for help or advice, not wanting to be pitied... i have a lot of that too.)