<human>: Can you succinctly summarize the text in 1-3 sentences?

Some pretext: I'm 21 and as a child I came from a rural area where social interaction with peers was limited, but I was a leader of my (extremely) small class. Then when I transitioned into a city high school that had around 3000 kids in it, I found myself overwhelmed and was the shy and meek kid with few friends. Not that I didn't have any, but needless to say, I wasn't the talk of the town. 

I eventually graduated and moved out on my own to an adjacent city where I had to learn self confidence along with the intricacies and dynamics of social groups/casual conversation/bar and party etiquette. I feel like I've come a long way in these areas, as well as in the self confidence to engage in them competently. However, the one thing I'd been lacking was a long term relationship with a woman. Don't get me wrong, I'm no stranger to flings and one night stands with the fairer sex, that isn't the issue. The problem is that when I finally did find someone with which I could relate and grow with, our relationship dynamic was off. 

She was outspoken, extroverted, confident, driven and one of the most intelligent people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I was introverted, semi-passive, and had difficulty taking the dominant role. 

We broke up a few months ago, one of the reasons (out of many) being that though I was sweet and attentive, I was not "man" enough to make her feel like a "woman". Also, here is where I'd like to clarify that we weren't having issues in bed. Anyway, we are now making a second go of it and I think I'm doing well at stepping up, making decisions, and being more assertive and communicative. 

So.what I'm really asking is: what sort of actions/mannerisms/personality traits can I take on that will help me be more dominant in our relationship?
<bot>: Yo brotatos. Got any protips for a shy/nerdy dude on being the dominant one in a relationship?