I really feel I should redress the balance here. Thats not to belittle the oP's thread. If that's how she feels, then that's how she feels. I like people. Twice recently I've been out for the first time with different local social groups. Both times I've met nice friendly, welcoming people. I generally find that if I put a bit of effort in then the vast majority of people are nice. Some are very shy and reserved and a very small minority are nasty. Project a positive friendly persona and ditch anyone that's negative.