Just be cool man. Don't try and seek approval/attention of others. Don't worry so much about what others are thinking of you. I think if you break out of that mindset, you'll be having more success.
Go off on your own and start doing something like random. If you amuse yourself and start having fun, ppl will pick up on that and say hey wats so funny or what r you doing?? If you think its funny, laff at it. Its all about status and stuff.
If you linger around ppl and hang on to everyword they say, that will convey lower status. If you are the one where everyone else is waiting to hear what you say/do next, you'll kno that ur status is high.
I was just hanging out with a couple of friends yesterday at his house. everytime I would go into another room or something, they'd follow me. I was out smoking, and these two non-smokers followed me outside. I was standing n talkin w/ them but I wanted to take a seat. I sat down, and they also sat down at the table I was sitting at.
I think the problem may be confidence. LIke you said, you're comfortable with ur friends, but around strangers, you lose that confidence. Try just approaching random ppl and talking bs. Don't worry about outcomes. If youre focused on outcomes, it will be a long and hard path to success.
Just have fun with it and keep progressing. Reflect often and learn from mistakes.
CHAT