Thanks for your tips on how to respond to these ppl. I know the friends are well meaning in wanting to introduce me to other vets. Maybe I need to pre-empt their kind efforts by explaining before hand, before they have a chance to "want to introduce me," that I'm not big on meeting other vets. I dunno. Maybe. ... I guess I could try each of these things and see what works.

I really appreciate feed back on all of this. I think it's going to get even scarier and I'm going to need help getting through the individual and group. Maybe they'll build my trust for me.