I think all these terms are denigrating. I prefer to think of myself as socially self-limiting. I can only take so much frivolity.

Not shy. Just need time to be alone and recharge after interactions. Last weekend, had a wedding Friday and a Lions Convention Saturday and Sunday. I spent Monday very quietly. I can get out there with no trouble at all for short periods of time.

I only need more me time than other people.

None of those! I'd say I'm more introspective, comfortable with being alone with my own thoughts or quietly learning about others.

I'm discerning or particular as to where and with whom I spend my time, preferring my own company to being bored or in uncomfortable surroundings. If I'm "aloof, taciturn, cool, etc.," like in the synonym list, I usually have a good reason and that's how I communicate that.

I'm quite warm, welcoming and interactive when I'm comfortable with the people and my surroundings, but I interact sparingly, and then enjoy recovering from all that socializing by laying low alone for a while afterward.

Hermit

Recluse

loner

I would pick a few, but the single synonym with be, Self Observant.

Wow! None of them. I don’t like to go out much but when I do, I can either be the life of the party or a wallflower based on mood. I am always the first to laugh or dance, however as an empath, I find having a lot of people around me draining. There can be hundreds of people around and I’m always the one strangers pick to ask for advice or directions. When I was in high school, my friends’ mothers would say they could go out if they were going with me because I had a good heart and good head on my shoulders. I guess I did keep them safe.