Louisa,

Along with the beautiful advice you were given, it may also help if you try to see that we are all, essentially, in the same boat and one and the same. Each and every single one of us is just trying our best to live our lives the best way we can and know how. When you come to perceive that your struggles, your dreams, your desires, your wishes, your sufferings, your joys among other things, exists in every human being you meet, you will come to find that connecting with others then becomes easy, or easier, at the very least. In this view, and sense, you can see that words are not necessary at all in order to connect. Sensing our beings within one another is connection enough. A conversation is not always needed nor forced empty words. A simple greeting and a warm smile has the potential of saying more than an exchange over lunch. Adopting this view may very well aid you in all social interactions in your life. Also, I understand that this may not all come instantly easily and know that this is entirely okay. Performing many small steps can eventually get you just as far as three large leaps. However, do not languish that it may take longer to get to your destination. This does not mean that your journey still cannot possess bouts of beauty; for all roads, if we keep our eyes and hearts open to see, possess it. You will get to where you’re supposed to eventually, and naturally. The ride should be just as fun as the destination. And, it can become even more fun if we fill it with beautiful people.

I hope this helps.

Al