Being shy isn't necessarily a bad thing - I'm notoriously shy and quiet myself... in certain situations. You just need to make it work for you. As long as you're yourself and not putting on an act - like the mouse pretending to be the lion - then you can make inroads with a lady. Take things slowly. Be yourself and feel natural. Listen to what they have to say - for some women that can be a huge bonus, rather than the man who juggles and rides a unicycle to grab someone's attention. When you feel comfortable with someone, your confidence will naturally rise. The most important thing is to just enjoy yourself.

Asking questions and listening works. It means that you don't have to have too much input, unless of, you're asked a question in turn. But you can always answer that with another question I suppose...
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Vidi Vici Veni

I got in touch with my feminine side. She emailed me back saying if I ever contacted her again she'd call the police.

Separate in your mind 'confidence', 'shyness' and 'introversion'.