Hi Steig,

You said people avoid you because you are different. Being different in what way? Generally people will get attracted to honest, good-looking, happy, bold, talkative people. Almost all these attributes can be earned.
I am just like you, trying to find good dates. I have problems in approaching people and striking friendships. So, it's not because of some unknown, mysterious reason I am not getting dates. You seem like a thoughtful person as well. So, I guess you will know what prevents you from people liking you or you forming good relationships. I think we all can guess what qualities people get attracted to and the very same qualities are needed for us to lead a happy, fulfilling life. So, I guess we just need to be better people than we are now.