Great news about you being able to move out soon, I do hope that it leads to some more job opportunities!
It's good that you have all the costs figured out too, I think it's that kind of thing that you can't afford to not consider when making a decision like that.
It's good that you're mingling a bit more too and getting out of your comfort zone, I'm still trying to do the same and know how difficult it can be but I'm sure it's something you can surpass and feel better about doing so. I know work environments can be quite helpful too if you're interacting with (new) people a lot on a day-to-day basis.
I don't think it's a bad thing being an emotional guy because in the end, that's just how you are and it's not fair for you to change that aspect about you. I think the best thing for you to do would be to just make female friends first before considering dating at all because while one female friend may not have an interest in you, they might know a friend or two who would be great for you so it opens up the possibility for meeting lots of new people.
I think the best thing would be to just approach someone (maybe in your church group), start having a little conversation with them and if the conversation seems to be going well, before you depart you can tell them (not ask, tell, it makes you seem more assertive) that you should hang out some more and see if they want to get some coffee the following week. That way you can slowly build yourself up to really getting to know people. I'm the kind of guy who usually doesn't really know what to say either but I find that I tend to keep a lot about me hidden (I'm not an open person) but just making that effort to tell another person something that is a little personal causes them to do the same and it builds a better connection between the two of you!
As for the girl I met, I really should have got her number just before I left because it would have been nice to have hung out with her some more (out of the friends I have now, I felt really comfortable around her so that's saying something) but I maybe value my pride too much and would rather someone come to me and tell me if they want to spend more time together but in hindsight, it works both ways and the other person might just be a little too shy to actually say that so effort is definitely required on both parts, leaving you to make the first move if necessary.
I realise that this is quite a reflective post but I hope it helps having this little conversation, haha.
