Matthew, there are people way, way worse than you who don't feel the least bit bad about who they are. Some of them are out selling drugs to kids, or beating up their spouses, or getting ready to rob someone's home. And some of them have lots of friends and even have lovers. Connecting with people isn't based on whether or not you deserve to connect. Some rotten people have loads of friends.

Watch the news and see what absolutely miserable people are out there in the world passing themselves off as fine. So try to lighten up on yourself. You do need to venture out of your house, if you want to connect to potential friends. Sitting at the keyboard is a good way to stay isolated.

Was there someone in your life who taught you to be very harsh toward yourself? I don't think you got this way all by yourself.