I will say what we dread to hear but, once I made the effort, it has worked quite positively for me. Get active both physically and socially.

Mysterious was right about the mirrors at the gym. It is bad enough I worry about people looking at me; it is even worse that I must look at myself.

I walk a lot (5-10km every other day). I may not have lost weight but all that walking has in fact changed my body for the better. I am emotionally healthier too. People comment that I smile now.

I have also made a real effort to be assertive when it comes to aquaintanceships. I still don't have more than a few close friends (my fault I think it is a trust thing) but I have put myself out there and don't wait for people to talk to me. It is often I who does the inviting for coffees, etc now. It was really hard at first.

Finally I have made promises to myself regarding my use of social media. I have struck off my lists anyone I don't know personally. This alone has forced me to get out there and find real acquaintances. It also means the time I spend online is now limited. I now use the phone to talk more often than text or use social media. This has all increased my social life too and has resulted in me feeling a great deal better about myself.