Hello, nice to see you around again; sorry to hear you're still on a section 3.
I have the most ridiculous diagnosis ever, but one of the traits in my alleged Mixed Personality Disorder is avoidant PD, and I do agree that I have traits of it, but it's something that I have learned to mask well in some circumstances. I found online communication a blessing, particularly RYL, and used it as a platform for developing social confidence. I found my feet on the uni student thread, and from there developed the self esteem to be able to meet groups of people and enjoy social interaction. I used to hate talking to friends on phones or skype, but I'm now able to do that in some circumstances.
Outside of RYL people I do still have very few friends, and tend to avoid social situations, but I do find it helpful when I do push myself into it. I find clubs or societies helpful places to ease oneself into social interaction, as it means there's stuff going on, and you can be quite quiet and get on with the activity/sport/whatever, and just gradually start talking to people.
I don't even know if that makes sense, but I wanted to try to write something of my experience.
As ever, the offer's still there if you want some company sometime; if we can find a day when we are simultaneously feeling un-avoidant!!
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