GG, I'm shy and awkward around new people too, except for people that I already have some rapport with, like internet friends.

We're all "friends" here already, so it's less nerve rattling to meet face to face.

I actually think it would do some of us a world of good, because even though we're accepted in our "virtual" personas a lot of us (me included) need the validation in the real world that we're worthwhile.

Does that make any sense?