How can i improve confidence and lessen anxiety and racing heart in some social/relationship-like situations?

Try to reach beyond: Your comfort zone. Set some simple goals, i.e., to smile and say something at a social gathering to one new person. Practice before hand some possible things to say. Join a social group that does some activity you like, ie, hiking or volleyball. Meet with a therapist to develop some goals and practice. Good luck & let us know how it goes.

Behavioral Options: See this page of the Anxiety Disorders Assn of BC which contains educational & self-help tools (incl. a video) for managing & even overcoming social anxiety: http://ow.ly/EXpFV Effective treatment for social anxiety will involve putting yourself in feared social situations, going from ones you fear only a little to others you fear a lot. A CBT expert coach can be a big help!