it would seem as you say that you do have a pattern of being unable to make social contacts easily. since this is a long-standing problem it would appear that therapy would be most beneficial. sometimes people don't realize that it is actually easier to meet people than they ever thought. for example if you were to join some type of volunteer organization you would quickly meet many people and you could make a decision as to whether or not you wanted to have more of a social relationship with them. if not you could just go for the volunteer opportunity which would enable you to handle your possible social anxiety better. in any case you are lonely and you would like to have some friends and some social connections. i'm not sure why you left therapy but perhaps the person that you were seeing wasn't able to provide what you needed. not everyone who provides therapy is going to be a good fit for every purpose. i would suggest that you reconsider re-entering therapy either with the person you saw before or seeking out someone new. i do believe this should be part of your future-oriented solution for yourself.
i'm 40 and divorced afraid to date and have no friends. this happened when i was 17. i quit therapy. what should i do?