I can relate. I used to be really shy because I cared a lot about how others feel. In western culture (especially English speaking cultures maybe) there is a lot of encouragement to "not care how other feel" and just do what makes you happy, but I always thought that if I am considerate towards people they will be more likely to be considerate towards me.
I think this is why I relate so much with Japan, although nowaadays I'm not really shy at all.
Now , I realize that a lot of people aren't bothered by me and may even be interested in me as long as I can calibrate the conversation towards them and avoid pushing them to think the same way as me. There is actually some way to relate to anyone, we just have to find the way for each person we encounter (...if they are worth the energy).
It's interesting to see how our feelings about our family members change as we get some new perspective. :-D