Just do it! What have you got to lose. if you dont do it you dont gain anything but if you do then you can meet new friends and have an interesting conversation but only if you decide that your sick and tired of not doing so,, if that makes sense. if people are really talking behind your back then take that from them, dont give them that opportunity and be on top of everything thats happening so you can eliminate those negative thoughts that might otherwise be holding you back
but chances are no ones laughing at you, more than likely they'd laugh with you if anything
im not an expert so take with a grain of salt