Tom is right. We can only imagine the culture shock you must be experiencing. You have also only been out twice though so give yourself a chance! Go out another 10 times and then see how you feel. Be patient and the old self will return.

Pretty crap advice for a guy that's having social anxiety.

I wouldn't be worrying too much at all about what other people are thinking about you Troy. It's what you think of yourself that matters. Once you like yourself, and trust yourself in social situations, then people will naturally take a liking to you.

Having already given advice on his anxiety I was giving further advice on in set game.

I probably should have clarified that he should concentrate on each individual part separately before moving on to the next but I was strapped for time in my post. Thanks for pointing out that out though Junky.

No probs

I'll give you the same advice I've given myself a few times here Troy. I get the same way when on a downer - sitting at home with nought but the same people for company is bad for your headspace and can lead you up a dark road...but let's not go there.

Instead, do things that get you out of the house. Anything. Look for improv groups in your area, join a swing dance group (the chicks love it!), take up French lessons, piano lessons, whatever. If it gets you learning something new, and best of all interacting with people, it'll do you the world of good and you'll find yourself getting your old legs back again. As for the lady situation, I'd echo what Nova and a couple of other lads have said - keep going out, keep trying and be patient. It'll come back. Get yourself a wingman (if you haven't already) - it's always good to have someone with you making you push yourself.

I'm going to go ahead and guess that you're putting too much pressure on yourself to perform. You should be going out to enjoy yourself, nothing else. It's what everybody else is out there to do and if you're not it will be obvious and people won't want to know.