I know what you feel like Middlepath. It's not easy. But hang in there.

Just for me, I force myself to just say hi to complete strangers. No they won't become friends, but it does help me get over my anxiety of meeting new people.

A co-worker gave me a poem by Henry David Thoreau, and granted I need to follow it better, but here it is:

Happiness is like a butterfly;
the more you chase it,
the more it will elude you,
but if you turn your attention
to other things, it will
come and sit softly
on your shoulder.

I have to remind myself of that often.

Take care Middle, I've found some awesome people here. Let them get to know you and you them.