I was kind of like you as well. There are times I still want to run to the wilderness and just disappear, if even just for a while. My husband doesn't like it when I talk like that but I can't help how I feel. In high school I didn't date either. I hung out with a lot of guys but I was always just "one of the boys" so I didn't get my first real date type kiss until I was 36 years old - don't laugh too hard. It's hard for me to talk to people even today, which is funny because I'm a teacher. You have to decide for yourself when you are ready to talk to girls and maybe start a relationship. It won't be easy, so expect some who don't return your calls, some who only want to talk to you when they are bored, and some who get too clingy right away. Remember that in the end the only person we have any hope to have control over is ourselves.

Good luck!