Have you (any of you with this issue) tried to explain to some prospect friend "hey, if I phase out please understand it's nothing personal, I just have a problem when I'm nervous, but if you shake me back into reality I really like talking to you... and I'll probably have the most amazing daydream to tell you about" ... or something like that?

Sometimes people just can't comprehend why you left them talking alone, and will just assume it as awkward, mean or weird, will try to put names to it and to people. Give them a chance to know where their foot is, and they will give you a chance back. Humans can be rational beings (most of the time). If they don't care, you probably better off finding some new friends

I have a friend that flies solo sometimes. We do shake her back in mid sentence hehehe.

As time passes and they stop being new for you, you stop being scared of them, and this will happen less and less. When you get used to have new people in your life, the issue tends to lessen.

And please, keep posting