i felt that way too and my personal experience is that it all starts from the inside.

when i learned to accept myself, to be my friend, to be on my side the judgement of others counted very little.
not attaching that much importance to what they thought of me made me more relaxed and the relationship a lot easier.
i waited for others to accept me, in order to accept myself and to see myself thru their eyes.
terrible mistake.

so i'd like to ask you this question: how is your relationship with yourself?