So I've had to devise a plan of attack to improve based on the blog entries, so far I have

Need to communicate more and it has to be effective communication - dont just cherry pick certain items and bury head in sand for everything else

Must meet people and join in groups or munches, so far have had zero success in this, but have started posting on sites and so far no negative comments.

Stop hiding away, always be colourful and dont slip back into old habits

Have to stop knocking\putting myself down

Stop saying no! and querying everything.  If given something to do then do it

As Peter has mentioned, I have been failing lately and I think I may have a some redness next time we meet, which I could be understating a bit, nervous already