Junk mail annoys me, so it has also helped burn off some angst, and cut down on the amount of junk mail we receive. Since it didn't matter at all what the people at the other end thought of me, I was far less conscious of what I said. If you tell people you are shy they are likely to be sympathetic. They are often prepared to go an extra yard, or seize the initiative in conversation. Don't be afraid of making mistakes.
Mistakes are one of the best ways to learn.
Try not to worry what other people think of you. Don't worry whether other people like you. Instead simply enjoy yourself. Enjoy finding out about other people. I found it interesting to read it for a while, but then I started to find it a little depressing.