I find I withdraw when things get overwhelming socially and come out again when I have had enough rest.Exposing myself helps me learn to handle the difficult emotions and thus I grow in emotional strength and in character and experience.I do need to become stronger to endure other people's reactions and to stay loyal to myself in spite of them.
I think you need to try again Mr Stranger,come out of isolation and give things socially another go,stop and rest if you must but don't you quit,is how the saying goes.
I am resilient when it comes to helping myself through my illness,now I need to become resilient when it comes to getting out there socialising and forming new relationships,that part is not coming easy to me.