The external inputs I get tend to reinforce that others are usually happy to have me around in large, public contexts, but (with a few exceptions that you're aware of) not in more private social spaces. That, plus possible strains via the intersection of certain social groups with a given new relationship, lead me to trade likely discomfort (from staying on the periphery) vs. the possibility of opportunities for personal growth. Both have pros and cons... but it boils down to whether or not to take action now in response to both current feelings and hypothetical future issues with others, or to wait and see...