Hi Jellyfish,

This won't solve everything, but one idea is to find a Toastmasters club in your area- they focus on speaking and leadership skills. Guests attend for free, and it's a good, friendly learning environment. The public library also usually has free groups, or used to. You could take walks in pretty places where other people go, and talk to people walking their dogs- I think someone else mentioned this here.

Another thought- people usually like people who are good listeners- I'm not saying you aren't already, but just a thought, maybe focus on listening. I always used to be really uncomfortable around new people, I mean super uncomfortable, but then I realized my face had a very unfriendly look on it- not bc I'm unfriendly, but bc I was uncomfortable. I started smiling, and even though it seemed fake at first- it was fake at first!- a kind of miracle happened where I started feeling on the inside what I looked like on the outside, and got more comfortable with new people. I also journal a lot, which really helps with the loneliness & other human feelings, helps get those feelings out in a constructive way so I can be more receptive & understanding with others.

I think you'd be surprised how many people feel exactly the same as you, if there's any comfort in that. This site is really great for talking things out and reaching out to people.

Take care