I've been trapped in this bubble for far too long and getting out. 

You don't need a new circle of friends, you need a completely new surrounding...IMO 

you're right a surround in of new friends. 

Is there still CWF, I found some great friends there I still keep in contact with even though we have dispersed throughout the country. 

and no I have not got out of the bubble yet 

Do what I do when I need to talk to someone, chat up the cashier at the commissary, lol 

Good idea