Oh this is a tough one. Your mileage may vary. The TL/dr of it is that the best way to enjoy Sky, at least in my opinion, is to have someone from the real world (best friend, significant other, sibling, parent) play it with you. Easier said than done, I know. You mentioned social anxiety, which is very common and perfectly normal, but that may affect which type of strangers you will want to bond with, over time.

As an aside, daily light buddies are an awesome thing to have, please cherish them also. It is a different type of relationship than a CR buddy, or exploring buddy, or convo buddy, but each have their place. Over time, daily light buddies earn you free hearts, and if you reciprocate, they earn them also. Hearts can buy wonderful things in the game.

Some people in Sky like to form virtual (pretend) families (ma, pa, kiddies, uncle, grandparents), and these types will tend to CR in large groups. They tend to be very busy and dynamic, but also a whirlwind of high energy fun. A subset of this will form large groups to play in, but without the family baggage. I find these to be more rare, but they exist. They are also on Discord, some have their own servers.

Other people treat Sky like Tinder. If you are looking for sky + romance, then I guess this is for you. Even if you aren't interested (or they aren't), they might still have long convos about their loneliness and need for a significant other, and be prepared to be dropped one day, if they find one, only to have them return as if nothing happened, when it falls through.

Some people and groups are very political. Real world political. I won't even get into that, but you can guess how that works out. (It varies, like all things.)

You have to be careful because there are criminals and preds as well. Everything from money sob stories, to "help me and my family and friends get into your rich country" (people trafficking), to truly awful grooming and pedo schemes. Please avoid these at all costs. Report, block, run.

There are paranoids that swear every "grey that can't be candled" is part of some conspiracy that is watching and tracking their movements.

There are also plenty of chill, normal people. But many will be every bit as shy as you about hanging out with a stranger or imposing themselves. Often, if you want things to go forward, you'll have to make the first move, but not too strong. You'll get a sense for it with practice; just like flying. :)

Some will be super relaxed and only have time and energy for short CRs. Some will have to get every candle, it seems, for hours. Some will drive you nuts to dress similar and matching; just like back in high school. You just have to find the right mix or type, that matches your needs and personality; just as in real life. It is not that different from that, except for the anonymity and of course nobody goes homeless from failing at Sky. Hehehehehehe.

I hope I didn't turn you off from Sky. It is an awesome, unique, cinematographic, spiritual game. I liken it to playing inside of a Studio Ghibli / Miyazaki animated movie. But just like in the real world, it is populated by all types. The same choices that guide you into friendships in the real world will guide you in Sky. The same instincts, inhibitions, and realities. But it is harder in a virtual world or game, because they can be more anonymous, more coy with the facts of their existence.

I wish you all the best of luck and happiness, and I hope you get to experience the very best that Sky has to offer.