I am kind of having the same thing, but the other way round....
So the friends i have always had would always go out on the pull... I was in long term relationships....
Since "getting in to PU" i have found that I am growing every day, and leaving the old friends behind.. Simply because, their opinion of myself has already been formed.
Now I am going out, pulling on the street, getting more pulls in clubs than my friends together... So now some of them perceive myself different, however some do not like the change...

I used to get nervous at work if my boss was around, just push through it like with your approaches..

All i can say from meeting you mate, you are a decent bloke with a lot going for you, just keep up what you are doing!