Wow, this is still alive? I'm glad to be able to look back on how far I've come since I posted this thread. I guess you guys really pushed me to see the best in myself and stop worrying so much.

Don't get me wrong, I still worry all the time, but now I worry that the dinner I've cooked isn't delicious. Still silly, but a leopard can't change its spots! I'm actively volunteering and it's a challenge but I really do enjoy it.

To anyone reading this, the best advice I can give you is that people are like cats. They're scared as scared of you as you are of them and the harder you chase, the faster they'll run away. I used to be a little too nervous about what people thought, so if I perceived something someone said as negative, I'd bite back unnecessarily hard and end up losing them.

When I look back, I spent all of my time playing games, listening to music and, well, fapping. The world felt tiny because I didn't let myself see it. But after a little push, I realised that damn, the world is really really cool.

Thanks to everyone who posted, read and emailed me, you all helped me to where I am today and I'm eternally indebted to you