[legend]

Hey artman,
True confidence does not come from comparison
It's not how you feel you compare to those around you
Confidence comes from knowing your true value.
Let me begin by telling you. You have unlimited value

What you are feeling, the nervousness, the anxiety comes from a fear that your value will not be seen or apreciated by the peolpe that you want (that's why you have no problem around strangers).

You look around you and see others that you wish you were like.
Well let me tell you the old saying we all put our pants on one leg at a time is true.... No one in any room is any better or worse than you my friend

Conversation comes from having things to talk about
Things to talk about come from doing or reading....

Educate yourself through experiance and study.... then you will always have something of value to bring to any conversation... once you know and live this your confidence will grow