This is a typical problem of introverted people. They can't connect easily with others exactly because of that; i.e., because they put barriers around themselves to protect themselves, to hide behind those barriers. Hence, their social circles are very small or non-existent.

This comment is a bit off the topic of this article, James, but it is somewhat related. Personality traits, including extroversion (which is one of the big 5), are not easily malleable. And being introverted it is not the same as being dishonest; it is just a different way of communicating and connecting with the outside world...