You sound like you do really well work-wise. It seems like you are missing that “deeper connection” with your coworkers (correct me if I'm wrong, AND if I'm wrong, you probably don't need to read the rest of my response hah). I had that feeling when I first started. I felt like my coworkers were just people I was forced to interact with for x amount of hours a day. But then I realized how easy they were to talk to, and it was just my own apprehensions creating a “wall” between getting to know them better and actually enjoying the presence of my coworkers and feeling like they're people I trust with more than just “tax returns”.
Maybe find some common ground with your boss? I find that I feel less intimidated to talk to a person after I've had some non-work related conversation with them. Realize that at work, they may come off as one way, but they're probably some fun-loving dude outside of work. Also, during lunch, do you have coworkers who sit in the kitchen eating together? Just sit down and join them. If you have nothing to say, don't say anything. Listening is amazing. If you overhear someone about to have surgery, remember that then when they come back from it, ask them how they're doing. It leaves a positive impression and breaks grounds for a positive relationship.
I had a manager that actually intimidated me, thought. She scared me and I would actually stutter in front of her LOL. She was tough, but that's who she is. What helped me get comfortable with her is understanding that that's just who she is. She's direct, she's harsh, she tells you, “dude, you f*cked up here,” and makes me want to cry. But at the end of the day, she contributed her share, she gave me review comments, she wished me happy birthday… But she's not mean because she's out to get me. She's just a mean person LOL. Then we bonded over our mutual love for cute kitties… You just never know…..
BEC - PASS (79)
AUD - PASS (63, 71, 74, 74, 83)
REG - PASS (88)
FAR - PASS (58, 89)
Becker for all + FAR 10 Point Combo