Quiet vs. Shy

Exactly what is the difference between a Quiet person and a Shy person? And Which is better?

My personal ideology is that a quiet person is one who is soft-spoken, but looks like he/she's in an overall good mood. A shy person is similar, but is usually somewhat enigmatic and usually looks apathetic.

I, myself, am capable of holding a decent conversation, especially in something that I'm interested in or around my friends. However, I tend to shut up when I have no idea what's going on. I'm also relatively introverted as I am not the first one to jump up and socialize when I shift into a new setting. (like now, that I'm at college). Let's just say that I'm not likely to be the one to initiate a conversation, but I can keep one going as long as I know what's going on.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Wow, we're kinda close in the polls. I really don't see much of a difference between the two, but nevertheless. I use the two words almost synonomously. As for quiet or shy partners, they're really all the same to me. Then again, I'm pretty quiet myself.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Summonmaster

Before reading all these replies, I assumed that "quiet" meant keeping your mouth shut when needed. In the sense of a tactical trait that's good. Now that I realize quiet can also mean people that just don't talk much, I actually prefer shy people over quiet.

Shy implies to me: "friendly people who don't initiate the conversation."

So, I assume that nobody here uses the terms synonomously. Personally, I consider myself both. Having traits of both "quiet and shy". I'm really neither around friends and people I'm comfortable talking to. But the moment a stranger or a person I like comes into the picture, I tend to just shut up.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.