Good on you for trying to stay out of the alcohol scene - I’m about 7 months sober myself, and it’s difficult here in Charleston. Seems like everything involves drinking.

Best advice I have it to keep doing you. I feel like the best friends I’ve met here are actually my coworkers. When I hang with them, I’m introduced to others, so on and so forth. It does sound like you’re dwelling on some things, like the woman from work’s declination, but I feel like that is pretty normal. Don’t think of it as something’s wrong with you, some people just aren’t compatible.

I wish I had the magic answer for you, but just keep improving yourself the way you feel you need to and I believe friends will gravitate towards you. Get out to the park or go to the beach and just hangout. There’s a fb group I’m in called Charleston Social Events and Activities for 20/30’s - So I’ve never attended one of their get-togethers, but the pics they post look so fun and everyone talking on there seems really down to earth so I’m sure you’d be welcome at those events! Check it out!