I identify with this.

I never learned connection, just survival.

I have no answers, but I too am dealing with this. Slowly. It takes time and practice and patience. I go out every day and try to notice people around me. that's a step for me. I try to relax my face and put on what DBT calls a "half-smile". I make an effort to put a friendly tone in my voice when I do need to talk to people.

And most important of all, for me, I try really hard to realize that I cannot control outcomes or how ppl behave---only me.

Billi