I went around to my friends house for the first time in a few months yesterday, I should have been able to relax and enjoy myself, but I felt completely out of place. I feel like that a lot in social situations, it's like I don't bring anything to the table by being there, could it be because I'm not used to socializing? I get a little paranoid, too, and start feeling like they don't really like me and that they don't really want me there. I just can't enjoy myself around my friends because I'm too focussed on myself and trying to socialize properly. I don't look forward to socializing like I should do.

A psychiatrist I saw said I have social anxiety, but I'm not sure, is all of this normal in people with Social Anxiety? Will it get better if I keep forcing myself to socialize or should I just give up and hide away again for another few months? Because that happens a lot, I socialize once, and then go back into my hole for a long time. I just genuinely feel like they don't really like me, that I bring the atmosphere down when I'm out with them, despite them continuing to invite me out and trying to keep in touch with me.

Anyone got any advice? Would much appreciate it. Thanks.