One of the problems with social avoidance is that it limits the amount of interpersonal experience that one racks up over time. That is my analysis of my own situation. I often feel that I am awkward and embarrass myself with the way I act around people sometimes due to my lack of experience. The only answer I have found is to forgive myself. Then I say the more interpersonal situations I put my self in, the more I'll learn to be appropriate. I will admit, though, I do go through a lot of pain when I feel I mishandled something.

I don't thing one needs lots of friends to be happy. But I would agree that the way you're living must be very unhappy. To my way of thinking, you kind of have nothing to lose by being more interactive.