I have never looked at myself as a very social person but everyone else would label me that way.

first things first being shy gets you know where.
People walk all over you! You need to let people know that you are here and your not going to put up with bullshit!

How would you change that you might ask?

I would try just adding in conversations that you wouldnt usually talk in. Like if someone is talking about something add in the conversation (even if its "oh that movie was great) at least people know that you are there!

Alot of my friends I have found from work. If you dont work now I would maybe try going to a club of somthing that intrest you so that you know people there would be there for the same reasons you would be ie. cake decorating, drawing or whatever intrest you.