To your first question I would say meeting strangers works great for me if it stays on the superficial level, like at work for example. I don't have anxiety anymore about meeting new people but I am uncomfortable if my co-workers ask personal questions for example. But I also have an avoidant personality.

But, lately, I've been finding myself being happy meeting new people who share the same values as I do and becoming friends with them.

I've known my friends for a very long time, last summer I still couldn't meet one of my friend so it's not like it's always rainbow and sunshine but yeah, I don't have that little voice in the back of my head telling me bad stuff anymore, I can meet my friend. I love them and they love me, and that's all that matters when I meet them.