Methinks you have both your long-term goal (first in your family to get a degree!) and your short-term GAL stuff (working out, reconnecting with male friends).
Hope, I gotta be honest, when I read your posts, I do feel like I'm talking to the woman of the relationship. That's not a knock -- just an observation. I think finding your inner "alpha male" would help you with this challenge you're facing, I really do. Getting back out with some buds will help you do that, and getting fit will DRAMATICALLY boost your confidence.
