I am an introvert (although I don't have social anxiety). I work at a company where we pair program every day. I was very nervous about it at first, but I absolutely love it.
Sure, if your coworkers suck it's going to be horrible. But I've found that most people who go into programming are themselves introverts, so as you get to know your teammates and build trust, you know how to interact with each other, take breaks, not talk over each other, etc.
In fact, I think someone who is more extroverted or someone who is loud/obnoxious, would have a more difficult time pairing since it might be harder for them to listen to the other person and step back a bit.
Sure, if your coworkers suck it's going to be horrible. But I've found that most people who go into programming are themselves introverts, so as you get to know your teammates and build trust, you know how to interact with each other, take breaks, not talk over each other, etc.
In fact, I think someone who is more extroverted or someone who is loud/obnoxious, would have a more difficult time pairing since it might be harder for them to listen to the other person and step back a bit.