Anybody else feel like this?

I’m not sure you can have it both ways. There must be a certain point you personally feel uncomfortable being around friends or family or strangers? Not sure. Are you shy or just indifferent. To be with people might make you feel vulnerable or a need to open up. Small steps are needed. Maybe just one person. One friend to socialize. People you are familiar with. I myself prefer larger groups so I can melt into the background. Is this something new or has this always been an issue

I understand your dilemma.
As I understand it, you're caught between a natural need for company and fear of being hurt by those same people.
My experience has been that my reticence had insecurity at its root. Once I realized that *everybody* is insecure, I felt better.
Along the way, I learned to be careful about what I told other people. Nothing too intimate, nothing too sensitive.
Even on my YouTube channel, where I discuss my stroke experience, I limit topics.
See for yourself:
https://m.youtube.com/@srlucado/videos
Bottom line, though...I think what you're feeling is normal, but I'm not sure there's a way to learn some of this stuff without getting bruised a little.
Good luck.

In my experience if you meet enough people AND you are in environments suited to you, you will find sooner than later genuine friendships with a far lower risk of abandonment.

@imnotthere666 At your young age, per your profile, everyone goes through these same types of feelings. It is part of life. Sometimes we want to be in crowds, like @msh466 said, other times we want to be alone. And, in my humble opinion, neither one is bad. It's quite okay to follow what you feel on any given day, crowds or being solo.
Ginger

I cannot say I always wanted to be away from people but when I had cancer and went for treatments I always went by myself. I did not want to have to make conversation with friends/family. I did find comfort in chatting with the other radiation patients while we waited our turn. They were so sweet and positive. It was just talking about every day things but seeing how brave and positive they were helped me as well. Sometimes opening up to others who are experiencing the same thing makes you realize you're not alone.

I avoid large crowds as a learned behavior because for years it would increase anxiety. Returning to school at age 64 to work with SMI (severely mental ill), many with dependency issues (dual diagnosed) has significantly helped in maintaining relationships with newly met strangers. I feel right at home amongst them. I suffered from dependency, depression and anxiety for years. It was about finding the right type of people I could be myself around. I still avoid shopping at Walmart on Sunday though. I'm a work in progress.

I avoid attending things (whatever) where I do not know anyone. It seems the problem must be me because it happens all the time. Whether it is a group of some kind, or an office setting where there are other employees, I am always shunned. Why? People do not even try to talk to me so how can they make an opinion that I am a person they do not want to get to know. Each time I return feeling hurt and rejected. If it is a work situation I just shrug my shoulders and try to avoid any contact with other workers. I do not have a lot of friends, but get along fine with the few that I have. I have had grief counseling when my husband died, and talked to my therapist about this but she didn't see it. She and I get along fine and she thinks I am a nice person. So why do these strangers not want to have anything to do with me? If only I knew I could try to fix it.

You’re not alone at feeling this way. There are a lot of jerks out there. Hold your head up high & remember your special! If anyone treats you wrong walk away & never deal with them again. Only be with people who respect you. Look in your mirror everyday & tell yourself 3 things you like about yourself!! 😃

Charlie-
You have expressed a core human experience.
Almost everyone has these feelings, but many people cannot admit it.
We are social creatures, no one is fully independent of others, and we don't want to be rejected.
I've heard that our brain processes rejection in the same ways it processes physical pain, and you can probably confirm this!
You might try taking small "samples" of social interaction.
Don't get in a situation where you're desperate for approval.
Since you like to read, maybe there's a library or bookstore nearby where you can hang out. I met lots of people that way. Talking about books is a way to connect with people who like to think.
Let us know what you do.
Ed

Yall are so supportive, ty 🥺