I kinda agree with Karren, that not everyone should go out, if they really don't need to. For some the fear is just too overwhelming. It was for me for many decades.
But, as you've found out, DRS, it may seem possible to read and attempt to learn all you can about our issues, but nothing can take the place of face to face conversations with others whether they have anything to teach you or not. It's that up close and personal interaction that can help you validate for yourself who you really are. It makes no difference if the conversation is philosophically stimulating or just a comparison of lipstick brands, the normalcy of the prescence of another living, breathing human being helps us shed our fears like an annoying, scratchy snake skin.
Don't go out if you don't feel the need ... but meeting others in the flesh is, for many, a wonderful path towards self-realization ... (if that's what you want!).
