you sound like me...but i'm not so shy anymore (i'm always going to be an introvert, but i'm more loose right now).

It is absolutely true that physical feature should not be the main things that attracts you to a girl. If you like someone, be yourself and talk to them and listen to them. If you "act" tough, you'll only get girls that like tough guys...and end up having to "pretend" the rest of your life.

NEVER pretend...it messes you up big time, but being more open and less shy is not pretending.