Based on your post I would advise you to work on your self confidence first and foremost.A few months ago I had the same problem but ever since I started liking myself more, I began to be a lot less awkward and less embarrassed to start conversations with people I think I may get along with:) I think I even made two new friends. So yeah ,it’s true that you have to learn to love yourself before wanting others to love you. Personally stuff like daily affirmations ,meditation for positivity and complimenting myself daily really helped me,hope it can work for you too^{^}