Then that makes us too. I totally get what you mean with that! Well, just be patient with yourself and be proud of yourself for every progress you make! We people aren't static, there are always possibilities to learn things and evolve
As you have done!
I feel too, as part of personal growth, that I care less about what people think of me. You can't be perfect in everyone's eyes. I mostly care about what people who matter for me think of me. Obviously, I care what others think too, but I also know that if someone can't accept me for who I am without being patient enough to actually get to know me better, it's not a big loss for me.
I too fear of being alone or rejected, but with the "quality over quantity" mindset, I don't feel alone with fewer but really good friends.
I'm a shy guy, because in some way I too fear of being rejected (which now makes me sound like a hypocrite given what I just said), but that's more in the immediate moment. Over time, I've become less and less shy. I've learnt to embrace the many good sides of me and accept that my shy side can have its charm as well.
EDIT: I'm extremely hangover so that might tell why some of this doesn't make sense haha!