This is me.

There was a post on Dear Abby today that sounded exactly like I had written-except I wasn't laid off from my job nor am I looking for another one.

I am shy. I am by no means painfully shy, but I tend to be more of an observer when I first meet people. Once I'm comfortable I can open up and be myself. Sometimes it's only minutes, but other times I need to meet someone more than once. Many of my friends have told me their first impression of me was that I was extremely snotty. This is wrong. I'm a very kind person.

I have accepted this personality trait, but it may be interfering with my finding a job. I was recently laid off, and I'm applying for and interviewing for a new one. However, after numerous interviews I have not been invited back for a second one.--WANTS TO BE HIRED IN WISCONSIN

I also accept my shyness as a personality trait that those who love me can see past it and and some will get past and and know me better. But I have been told a few times that people thought I hated them the first time we met.

Well, to anyone who thinks that now, it isn't true! I don't hate anyone and most of the people who I have met recently I think are great people who I would like to get to know better, I just hold back a bit. I am trying to work on it, but it seems that I have my Dad's personality which is just fine to me.