I understand what you mean, @Emily Fox Seaton! Even though my situation is completely different from yours, I can relate to your wanting to make friends but never really knowing how. It's hard! I'm not the most qualified person on the matter and I won't tell you that you need to change or what you need to change since it IS important to stay true to ourselves. At the same time, sometimes certain behaviors can come in handy during some social situations - even though I don't know what they may be!! Lol!! My advice is: stick to your guns, but acknowledge the situation you're in. Even if you don't make lots of friends, you'll still be able to make at least some friends who will TRULY Accept you and Love you for who you TRULY are! That's what I Believe anyway! You seem to have good social skills so that's good at least even though it IS difficult when we ourselves are introverts. Definitely keep fighting though! I'm sure good things will come soon to you! KEEP FIGHTING! Sending many safe, warm hugs to you, Emily Fox Seaton, my dear, sweet friend, and ALL of your Loved Ones!