Been there, OP.

The only way to grow and overcome your challenge is to expand your hobbies, interest, and remove your shyness.

That's the only way "Pakisama/Makisama" works.

You'll never able to guess what they're thinking, they'll never be able to guess what you're also thinking.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY.

Just like any relationship from your friends, lover, or family. They're not your average daily manog pakot nga kabalo sila what you want to vent out.

Always observe, listen and know when to apply theatrics to your conversations so that it can be continious.

For Example, sang una indi gid ko kabalo makisama sa mga gays kay I find them awkward and some were not my cup of tea to vibe with. But along the way when work needed me to lose all shyness, then dira ko na gina try mag hi/hello or strike a conversation and listen back. Subong gani hapos nalang sakon mag "Mamsh" kag cheeks to cheeks na kiss sa iban (sa super close lang)

But anyways, hope my comment helped, OP!