It's certainly not something difficult to understand though Zos! It's how many of us have felt and still feel .... even me at times and I've been footloose and fancy free for ages. I really do think that sometimes it's hard for us to make that first move towards establishing a friendship and that's regardless of religious upbringing and restrictions.

I know that my conversational skills improved greatly from the outset of working. I was sitting as a front receptionist for a variety of businesses ..... and learned very quickly to jump from one subject to another at breakneck speed. It was great for me as I was (and still can be despite my appearances otherwise) quite shy. These days I'm quite comfortable sitting with someone I've never met before. I'm a volunteer for a victim support and child witness support service (govt funded) ..... so one day I may be simply monitoring the goings on of the court and other days I'm sitting with a client (victim or witness) who is facing court for whatever reason. They range in age and sometimes I have a whole family. The conversations are varied and it's rather enjoyable knowing that some of my seemingly inane prattle and chit chat is calming someone down and making them feel less anxious for what they're about to do.

You can't do anything wrong by being yourself .... so get yourself out there and meet some new people eh!

"Thanks to God .... for making me an Atheist!"
Ricky Gervais
Golden Globe Awards - 2011