Coming out of my shell.

[Moth]

Okay so I'm on a quest (if you will call it that) to become happy and normal again, I've stopped self harming and the next hurdle is my loneliness I've been going out more often, throwing myself into situations to meet people, and now I've recently just got my first real job and I've met a bunch of new people. However as I've been there I've noticed they've formed a personal relationship with one another a friendship which barriers beyond work, they know of each other's personal lives, interests, hobbies etc. and they have known each other, in some cases over a year.
So obviously me being the awkward new guy who does't really know anyone I don't really catch on and make good friends, sure I have chats and talk about work and what there is to do, maybe sometimes I'll talk about something that has no importance and the other person clearly is just being polite. I'm just wondering how I can get into a position where I could make a couple of new friends.
And to add to this concoction of awkwardness and emotion, there's a girl. Who I've grown an interest in, we talk here and there... but it's not personal stuff, I can't think of how to break the barrier of work and start forming a friendship with this person so I can get to know her better.. I'm sure this post is just a ramble but I'd really love some advice from knowledgeable people, maybe some of you have gotten over social anxiety before and know how I could better myself? :what:

[Melodic]

Honestly just go up to her and talk about random stuff and see if you have common interests. Don't go all deep and personal because you two talk here and there. You'll feel very accomplished after you talk to her.

[ksdnfkfr]

I can't give any advice because I have the same problem. But my therapist told me that I'm wired differently and that this is something that I will probably always have difficulty with in my life. Not that I shouldn't try to overcome it, but that I shouldn't feel bad about myself because of it. That it just doesn't come naturally for me like it does with most people.

[JamesSuperBoy]

I think if you are chatting and realise the other person is listening just to be polite you have to be aware of that and cut the chat.

Maybe you look outside of work for friends - or suggest some activity after work or weekends. Cinema - sports event or some such.

[Moth]

Honestly just go up to her and talk about random stuff and see if you have common interests. Don't go all deep and personal because you two talk here and there. You'll feel very accomplished after you talk to her.

I suppose, but I'm utterly clueless, I'm not very good with spontaneous conversation, I think about it too much and mess up and end up saying something stupid, ahah. After a conversation I look back in hindsight and find that I could have said something alot better and that was my moment gone. Do you have any suggestion on how to go about talking to this girl?
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Ezra - I feel you completely, I have the same issues, however I also have a few people in my life that I feel comfortable with and I can speak to without issue and actually properly propel my emotions to another, it's just transitioning those skills to a new person that I have my difficulty with.
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Thanks James, I was considering that also, I know one of the people I have met is into the same music I am into and there is some concerts locally coming up, a few invitations may be thrown around.