Is it normal to think about your bf/gf when it comes to socializing w/ others?

I have never been able to feel comfortable socializing with others as much as I want to. I get this feeling of tension and pressure and my mind starts putting words in my mouth that it shouldn't have which makes me look like a fool. I don't know it all comes down to being nervous or just anti-social? But when it comes to guys I am confident i mean i know i attract them and Im not being cocky. But I never took it seriously as in I just liked flirting or whatever but a few months ago this guy came into my life and I never want him to leave ever. Now he's my boyfriend and the reason why I finally said yes to him was because he made me feel like I was a part of the world, not some awkward girl, he accepted me, which I longed for forever from everybody and still am, he even said the most I like about you is your confidence, I'm like little does he know he makes me confident. I honestly feel like I can be me and do whatever I want without feeling ashamed or embarrassed since that's how people usually make me feel. So now that I have him in my life, I feel good but I don't want to have to rely on him to feel confident but that's how it is now. Whenever I feel weird around people I think of being with him and suddenly I feel confident like if he accepts me why shouldnt they. But it's harder than it sounds cause people will still look at me weird or I'll just not have the confidence to get out there like I do w my dude. Is this normal? What should I do to feel as comfortable w others like I do w my bf? I try to be the same I am with my bf which is me and free but it just doesn't work for others like it does for him, I mean what else can I be besides me? It's just not fair.