>>3Tell your demons to shut the fuck up by proving them wrong.
>>2Pursue hobbies/interests/activities through which you can bond with others.
>>6Your mother does sound annoying. Get her to catch you talking on the phone with one of your buddies, or have her pick you guys up from a movie or whatever.
>>7>one good friend
truth. but what's just as important is to push your boundaries and change your scenery.
i.e., I was the most awkward kid I knew until I befriend my ttRPG's GM, a dude twice my age whose background, experiences, temperament, and outlook was nearly the exact opposite to mine. Many, many times the man has challenged/called me out on my behavior and thinking -- it came down to choosing to either adapt or (socially) die. I chose the former, 'cause it's better to try a new path than wearily trod down the same old one till the cows come home.