I feel like Buzz Light Year, when he takes off his helmet and starts to panic thinking he wont be able to breathe, because he believes that space suit really does something. Well thats the panic I feel in the world and the organisation acts like my space suit, if you get the metaphor!
First of all that is a fantastic metaphor, one that I may plaguerise at a later date...hehehe
Helen, my first response was that of many others who have also replied to you. Make some friends outside the organisation first. It doesn't have to be a lot, but find some.
My second response is this... Find out WHO you are... WHAT makes you tick... WHAT are you interested in... One thing I found is that as a JW we do have our individual personalites however tend to be somewhat clonish in what we are allowed to reveal about who we are. No one is allowed to stand out as different, showing off your talents is seen as being immodest, etc, etc.
I recommend challenging yourself. Is there anything you have always wanted to do but never felt right about doing? Or felt to scared to try? Just do it! Jump in and give it a ago. You will start finding out so much about your who you are.
Once you feel comfortable with what you have discovered you will find it so much easier to make new friends. Perhaps with common interests.
I admit that it is more than likely that you will feel like somewhat of a social misfit but over time and with good friends these feelings will fade.
I truly hope that this helps... Wishing you every success.