Self Reflection

Recently I was told by someone that I seemed cold and unfriendly. I really took it to heart and have tried take time for some self-reflection and even have tried to make more of an effort to be friendly in general. I have worried about it, prayed about it, talked with others, and now I am done. Last night I got the privilege of having a dinner out with girlfriends and I was reminded not only what amazing friends I have, but that I wouldn't have these amazing people in my life if I was the horrible person some people have labeled me as. I spent so much time in my high school and college years trying to be who I thought people wanted me to be and frankly I do not have the time or energy to do it anymore. I was challenged by a good friend before I had kids to live authentically and I really appreciated that advice. It allowed me to deepen some of my relationships and begin some new friendships with people who cared about who I really was. And while I do desire to offer genuine kindness to people around me, I don't think that means that I need to bend over backwards to cheerfully greet everyone who comes into eye contact with me. And even though I have joy in my life, that doesn't mean that I am always cheerful, but I don't think that anyone else needs to take that personally. If they do, that is their issue, isn't it? Obviously I am human, and I want people to like me, but I want them also to see me for who I really am. I am kind of shy (shocker, I know, since I cover it beautifully with my wit and charm), it takes me a long time to warm up to new people, and I am uncomfortable in large groups of people. I guess those things make me seem cold and unfriendly, but they are also who I am and I can't really change overnight and still remain true to myself. I guess my question would be, is it better to be plastic and fake or appear unfriendly to people who don't know me well? And yes, I realize that I am also overly sarcastic at times and that people can be easily insulted or turned off by it; I am working on that one.
Okay, so enough self reflection. This post was as much for me as anyone else, so hopefully I haven't offended anyone, that is the last thing I need right now. I think I need chocolate.