are their things that you feel confident to talk about that perhaps you can use?

for example: I hate talking about myself. I hate it because talking about myself is like.. well, a sad tragic story- and I fear that people will be scared of what they here about my illnesses, or my abuse, and decide they no longer want to talk to me.

I keep the conversation on mutual ground: talk about the weather, the places you live, where you've traveled to, etc

I have no experience in relationships, so can't offer any advice re: that, but I hope what I say does help you someway.

welcome to the forum