Coping with Social Anxiety at 18

I feel the same way literally it's hard to talk to new people

I have social anxiety and it actually makes me come off as really rude because I won't look at people or say hi and if I do I don't look people in the eye. But I've realized that for me, personally, it's because I've been ignored my whole life, always been soft spoken, mom will ask me a question and then ignore my answer, been in abusive relationships where I just don't share my opinion from fear of backlash, but I'm coming to realize that (in certain situations at least) people do want to be greeted and talked to. Like at work I'm really liking it because people there are expecting me to say hello and have a nice day. I do Uber Eats right now because a lot of it is contactless but the people that do meet me outside or at the door are expecting me and I'm bringing their food, so they expect at least a "hi, here's your order, have a good one!" so for me that has been a big confidence boost. Maybe find a place you feel comfortable idk a small coffee shop or library and get a job there. That way you know people want to be greeted and that's a start. KNOWING people want to talk. Even if it's just a small conversation. I hope this helps. Good luck.

I'm the same way, I got some apps for positive stuff, and maybe writing things down. I struggle with eye contact and touch which makes my awkwardness more visible. I take cbd which does help