First off, ditch the gay friend advice thing. It fine to have gay friends but it sounds like you need a big hetero shot in the arm. You will aquire more confidence as you talk to more people. It sounds as if your somewhat introverted. Most introverted people do not even know that they are, they think the are "normal".
You need to start making new acquaintences. Dont go off looking for best friends. Talk to people, especially women, where ever you go. Small talk leads places.
Ask and you shall recieve. You gotta ask people questions if you want to get to know them. Your not going to "change your life" without asking questions. The biggest mistake i see people make is they find a new hobby and throw themselves into it. Now they have this great new past time and still no one to share it with. You need to suck it up and start meeting people.
The most fun people i have met I met in the drugstore, the department store and the bowling alley! (I have bowled 3 times in my life) She was there with some friends bowling because it sounded stupid and fun just like we were doing.
Anyway, you need more people contact and not customers.
Confidence will come.
##spiderbaby##