As has already been stated, "How to win friends and influence people" is probably your best bet. However you'd be better off finding a way to practice your ski

As has already been stated, "How to win friends and influence people" is probably your best bet. However you'd be better off finding a way to practice your skills. A couple things to realize: many people are lonely (like you), and like to discuss their interests. In high school I was lucky enough to discover how easy it is to break through this with a few events where no one knew more than a few people. The habit I adopted in college, and wish would be easier to do in suburbia was going to dining halls alone, (and this does work elsewhere ... but have a book handy in case no one is interested) look for anyone who's eating alone and doesn't seem to be working or already engrossed in a book, and ask if they'd like company. I've done it successfully the two times I've found myself with the time to do it after college, and numerous times during college. The same approach works in many large group social scenes. Good luck. Oh, if you really want to improve things rapidly, ask if there is anyone on hackers news who is interested in helping you break through this for a free drink or meal. It might be easier if you know one or two people prior to the meetup, in order to help with introductions.