Ah Debbie (sirrahbed) your description could also be me! (I left in the parts that are 100% me)

I am very uneasy around folks I don't know and crowds make me climb into a shell. .........I will ask a question or make a comment and it does not seem to get answered........For me, this is almost a phobia I think....I become really anxious..... I am often afraid I will say something stupid and I get tongue-tied when I talk.
But it is sure nice to hear about those who can talk to anyone any time. I sure wish I could be like that, at least sometimes.