I struggle with social anxiety. For some reason, interacting with others can be tough. But that's what I long for, and I know it's something I can't avoid. Any advice on how to overcome this?

Well you have the first step down which is admitting that you have this. I’m not saying that you are an addict of any sort, but really, admitting to something that you are afraid of or something that you have is a way to rid yourself of it. Becoming aware of something of yourself, something you may not like is a chance for your mind to improve that part. But for me, because I used to feel this way at one point in my life, I just realized that I had to get out there. That I might as well do it now, to get used to it now, before I let it take me. And it’s fucking hard, I know that. I think any person who has ever felt this way knows that. But you cannot let it take you alive. You cannot let it stop you from living. That’s what it’s trying to do. So if you can, slowly, just try to put yourself out there. Day by day, start speaking to people. Start off with a small conversation with a strange. Just a simple smile, or a hello, or an eye contact. Those are the little steps that can help you improve. Locking yourself away isn’t going to further anything, but it will push yourself back into the silence and the isolation. So.. just try! If you don’t already, look for a job. Having a job, or in my experience, can very much heighten your sense of socialization. It allows you to talk to people. Even if it’s just work related. But most times you can slip little conversations or little things about your day in there. Or ask others questions. Allow others to open up. Once you see how easily others open up around you, you’ll feel as if you can open up yourself as well. It just takes time. Like everything. As the days go on, if you push yourself out of your comfort zone, things will change. It will be a bit scary at first, but you can do it. I believe in you. But mostly, believe in yourself. You can do anything that you want to do.