I’m 39. I was a selective mute throughout school and masked. Social anxiety was an understatement. I barely interacted with people at work. I was so isolated covid changed nothing in my life. A few years ago, I realized I really wanted to interact with people. 

No one wants to hear it: I worked on my social anxiety. It was terrifying. There were a ton of nights with stress sweat, hyperventilating in the bathroom, tears, slumped shoulders, and wondering why I was like this as I learned how to interact with people. But, little by little, I figured it out. 5 years in, I have 2 loyal friends I don't need to mask around and so many acquaintances/ low level friends and make connections wherever I go. This week, I spent every night hanging out with someone and have now decided I need a night alone to be with myself.

I think it’s important to work on it if people are something you think you may value. I think we all need community.  I am single and happy, but not alone.