At the gym, I had no problem talking to one guy I know from class, but when his friends joined us (2 I knew; 1 I didn't) it became too much of a crowd
and I barely was able to speak let alone add anything to the conversation. So, it's some progress, but an awareness I still am operating under limitations. I laughed along, I did add a few one-word confirmations ("yeah," "right," etc.), but I pretty much was on the sidelines and just wanted to get out of that group conversation.
I was finally relieved when the one guy I was originally talking to started to leave and I expertly used that as my cue to move away as quickly as possible. I'm not even sure if I said anything or just walked away.
I guess you could say I still have that trace of social anxiety when it comes to larger groups.