Shy Guy

I'm a 21 yr old student working in England. I'm not sure if I have a problem or not but I am very worried about myself. I have an overwhelming feeling of inferiority to everyone and this is effecting my social responses. Whenever anyone talks to me I become very defensive and would not even consider going up to someone to talk to them. Whenever I do get into a conversation I feel I must connect with the person and am very worried about anything I say. This means I'm always acting in social circumstances trying to impress rather than being myself. This makes me feel as though I am missing out on a very important part of life and that I'm running out of time. I have just moved away from home into a new environment but have been here for about 4 months I have very few friends and no regular social activities. I have discussed this with a close friend and my Dad but neither understand exactly what I'm trying to say. Can you help?

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