Sounds like my flatmate, but mine's drunk and angry half the time as well as stoned. I swear he actually invites people round the flat so he can fight them.

I can't help but being shy and nervous around new people... I suppose that makes me a bad person.

Nope.
It's better to be shy around new people, or at least not so comfortable that you're farting loudly while shaking someone's hand for the first time.

It's a good thing to hang back a while and get a feel for new people before you open up.

naw, I wasn't referring really to being shy. Lot's of people are shy around new people. I was more referring to how lots of guys/girls get when they enter a frat/sorority house for the first few times at my college. It's really obnoxious.

Not necessarily, I find with being open and confident towards meeting new people you create a good gateway to making friends, as they see how approachable and interesting you are. I have no fear of walking into a crowded room anymore because I make it my absolute priority to meet someone new, as then you will seem like someone worth approaching by someone else.

Smile and the world smiles with you, so to speak.

That works for your personality.
But not for Loose_Lips'.
I said that for his benefit, but it's not to say that your philosophy isn't right for you. It just wouldn't jive with his.

On the open and shy issue, I believe both can be positive and negative depending on the situation. Setting and environment is crucial for me. Perhaps I'm just not "chic", but this past weekend, I attended an art show at a new gallery in town and found myself really out-of-place and put off by how the show was more so revolved around the people and what they were wearing, not the art. Needless to say, I babysat the free cheese and wine until I was able to admire a painting without someone kissing me on the cheek. After, I went to a house party and was immediately social and open. I agree with both veridical and vanilla - it's good to take a step back and just watch, but more fun if you just dive in and wing it.

Thar ya go. :)

For me, the situation is no match for how much alcohol I've drank prior. I tackle every problem with a shot or 5.
It helps, because I'm naturally introverted.

^ That is not a good idea. You should rely on alcohol in order to feel good around other people, that kind of behaviour can lead to alcoholism.

I saw that commercial too.
I didn't fit the stereotype though, still don't. I just prefer to start a good time with a good "wine". Once I'm up and at 'em, I'm good to go.

I don't require alcohol to feel good around folks. It just makes for better conversation IMO.
Half of what I said in that response was jokery.