Dear Nette~
Welcome here to the support forum, a good place to come to see how others have coped in similar situations. Friends can be a very iportant part of one's life , for company and also support - given by them or given by you.
As I'd expect you have come to realize that friendships with people at work are in fact partly based on having work in common and seeing each other because you both have to go to work, or at least talk via email
When you leave work those friendships tend to fade, not because you are less attractive, but it is jut the nature of things as you have less in common and less opportunities to be together
Trying to get more freinds is hard, and probably not something that one can deliberately do - not realy any such thing as a "friend-hunt":)
The way it has always worked for me is I've been occupied with work or societies or special interest clubs and find people with whom I click, as it were almost by chance.
The most straightforward way is to do things you enjoy, it may be walking a dog, helping out at a museum, a book club - you would know your preferences better than I.
I know you said you have social anxiety and my suggestions fly in the face of this. Getting out and being with others is hard. If you don't mind I'd suggest counceling to help you reduce its effects and allow you to do more. See your GP for a start.
One thing to remember is that others can be looking for friendships too, it is not all just up to you
Croix
