I can totally relate to your experience being a quiet and shy girl myself.
In my household, it was quite worrying for my parents that their only daughter had turned out to be so quiet that they kept on pushing me to talk more, be like other hyperactive kids.
They were worried that people would take advantage of my quiet nature when I grow up. They even had me shift to an international school to "open me up". I don't blame them though...the world for them has become 10 times more dangerous than when they were growing up so it was just to help me be comfortable with speaking up when the time comes.
There were times when being labelled as the quiet kid made me feel inadequate. As if it's not a desirable trait. As you had mentioned, extroverted traits are more desirable in our society.
I get the reason why you had created a fake persona for yourself. There are times when I did that too..I can imagine how exhaustive it must have been, trying to blend in with the rest of the crowd with a mask on. And it seems that you were also not comfortable and happy with it too.
It's great that you took the step to accept your introverted side and appreciate your qualties. That's such a healthy positive attitude. Sometimes we tend to forget how unique we are.
And the fun fact about my life is now my parents now accept me for my nature and they really see me as a good listener too. They're able to share things with me without hesitation.
Introverts do have this natural superpower of empathy and detailed observation. I'm proud of how your've been able to discover and accept this superpower as a part of you.
I hope you continue to take this positive accepting approach for yourself. You're a special superhero for others in times of need so please do cherish yourself.
