I spent way too long trying to work out if it was a scale model with the man there to demonstrate how it was used, or if the bust was a weird decorative part of the cannon.

Perhaps you could try friend-finding apps such as Bumble BFF? You’re likely to find others there in a similar position to yourself. It also focuses on 1 on 1 which should be a little easier to manage with social anxiety.

thank mr skeltal