You’re an Irish dude. Go down to the pub and start drinking a few pints. After 5 you’ll start making friends! 🤣

I am no psychologist and claim no expertise in that area, but I do have some experiences of my own… (1) Not all counselors or psychologists are a good match for every patient. If you have been using the same one all this time without much improvement, you might want to consider using a different one… (2) Some conditions and situations are more difficult to address… I can tell you that I was shy around girls as a young man. I met my first wife (to be) through a mutual friend when I was in college and the first date was a set up. Years later when the marriage eventually ended, I was struggling somewhat with the whole dating scene and saw a counselor who was helpful in helping me adjust and was also a neutral person I could talk to. I made it though that period… I can tell you that in the right circumstances a very modest amount of alcohol (2 drinks maximum is my rule) does loosen up the inhibitions. But large amounts of alcohol can lead to disaster and I would certainly not encourage that.

Sounds like a good plan. People suck.

Begin with one big dog. Guys love to talk to a girl walking her dog. Plus, it deters the creeps.

getting dogs and focusing on yourself and your interests is not a bad idea. It's actually a great way to meet people closer to your comfort zone without any pressure for that interaction for go any further than expressing a mutual appreciation of something.

🫂 People anxiety is not fun and you are so not alone in it. But I agree with the other comment about changing therapist. Especially if you are paying for it. I know you are comfortable with the one you are using but they're clearly not actually helping you. Several years and zero improvement? They're just helping themselves to the money. I also 100% agree you should get a dog. The worst bit of social anxiety is the loneliness... But please, do your research first, don't just get the first one you see or fancy. There will be breeds that are suited to your area/life style and those that aren't. Huskies are attractive but you'll be running rather than walking one every day, at the groomers with it every few months and if you live in flats then everyone is going to hear it singing the song of its people... A decent Staffy might do you. They really are the most loving dogs, especially if well trained, and even the really clever ones are still complete derps. But seriously, as much as any of us absolutely *loath* the idea of breaking in a new therapist, you need to try a new one. Their job is to help you uncover the roots of and then give you the tools to navigate and manage your issues, not keep you going in the same circles just to pay their bills. Basic rule of thumb: if any sort of therapist hasn't prompted an 'ooh, that's what that is' moment of realisation between sessions 3 to 6, they're not very good at the job. Definitely look into getting a dog though. Yes, people will talk to you when you are out with it but, as with work, people are easier to cope with when the subject of the conversation isn't actually you. This is what dogs do for our sort, they grant a neutral, fixed topic that you become, after a while, comfortable and happy sharing with others. Even complete strangers on the street. Hell, your future partner might be walking their dog in your local park right now. You never know... Good luck and if you do get a dog, come back and tell us. 💋