I can really relate - it's something I really struggled with for years, and still struggle with to an extent. I'm having a tough time at the moment as I'm not working and am on medical leave from school until next Jan., so I know all about having too much time on my hands.

Volunteering is great - I do that too.

Exercising. I've joined the Y and am going there regularly to work out, which helps my mood, and I'm starting to get to know people.

Café - that's a great idea. There's a coffee place I go to regularly and all the staff know me, and they're fine with me hanging out there for a few hours, knitting or reading. I may not talk with any of the other patrons but at last I'm out of my place, and people watching can be kind of fun.

Meetup.com This is a bit scary at first, but I've started going to meetups. If you're in a large city - you probably have a meetup site, with lots of groups. The good thing about them, is that at the events everybody is there to meet new people, so everyone is really friendly and talks.

You might also try googling social phobia support groups in your area. There's one in my area, that I learned about when I went to a CBT group for social phobia. I keep thinking I'll check it out - except it's downtown and kind of hard for me to get to.

Good luck.

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