I don't think "gender" is the best separator to use in this case. The post reads like the typical "fate" of an introvert (I guess it's fueled by "gender roles"). I wish pg would have used the term "introvert" instead of the dreaded "shy". In fact it perfectly matches some of the chapters in Susan Cain's "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking", a pop-sciency book that investigates the introvert/extrovert divide (intorverts are cast a bit too much into the hero role but overall a very good book).
