[Epona]

Well I may not be the best person to take advice from - I always take people at face value - I can't be devious myself, so I find it difficult to spot deviousness in others, and this has sometimes caused me to end up in 'egg on my face' situations!

However, I think you should take into account that many shy people do use humour and loudness as a means of overcoming their shyness. I am painfully shy - and self-conscious about my shyness! So when I find myself in a situation where I want to talk to someone or am amongst people I don't know that well, I usually find myself telling funny (but truthful) stories about myself, and find that I enjoy getting a laugh from people. This is not the same as setting out to deceive, although I understand it could come across as being a bit superficial. I have to get to know people before I feel comfortable discussing serious issues with them.

So I would say meet up somewhere public, and as with meeting someone you don't know, however you know them whether from a bar or the net, tell a friend where you are going and when you expect to return.

And then go enjoy yourself!