its easy to get that feeling.

Far as I can tell, most furs are somewhat shy and distant, so I'm sure we're used to it

Well, if you think you're too distant or shy, maybe try coming out and try to strike up a conversation a little more or perhaps more engaging yourselg in a conversation. I sometimes do that too so I try to see where I can jump into a conversation. This is more true for larger groups as opposed to just one-on-one for me.

Know what you mean. My straightforward nature often gets misinterpreted as me being a jerk. Same principle, just a different reason.