[PiscesRising]

I need to get outta this social hermitism I'm living in. I need to find new friends, because I don't really have any I can trust. I find it odd to talk to new people. Maybe I am to blame, because I find it off-putting when a stranger starts a conversation with me. I get paranoid that it is under a false pretense. I feel I would just come off like this to new people. Is this rational? Do any of you feel like this?

I do and they with me. It seems very wise and healthy to have some doubts as to the motivations of a stranger who initiates conversation. It's a chance we takes as humans. Anyone worth your time would be understanding of your feelings. Anyone who thinks you're "weird" probably wasn't worth knowing anyway.
Yes, I am very prudent about who is worth my time
If you choose to step out of your comfort zone I wish you well. You always have the option of breaking off contact with anyone who you feel is insincere, has questionable motives, or is just boring. Good luck.

[Turtlesoup]

The last 2 years or so I've been struggling with terrible social anxiety (have always had it but not to this degree) so I know how hard it can be to reach out. What I have done is join a hiking group & book club so I met new people that already have similar interests. Best of luck to you.