I love retreats. I used to go to several scrapbook retreats each year. I haven't been as lucky finding quilt retreats that I can afford in my area.
In any larger group, there are bound to be people who will never be my best friend. Smile, nod, be friendly, accept that I don't need to be besties with everyone in the room and move on.
We've got a neat mix of people in our guild, and I've gotten to know several through guild workshops that I would not otherwise have had a chance to meet.
I am a shy person, so it takes me a bit to work up the courage to jump into a group, but the benefits so outweigh letting fear hold me back.
Cheers, K