Well it sounds like you already made the most significant jump, which is realizing that social skills are just a skill, and like all skills they can be improved

Well it sounds like you already made the most significant jump, which is realizing that social skills are just a skill, and like all skills they can be improved with practice. So practice. Put yourself in situations where you're a little out of your comfort zone and focus on small improvements (can I introduce myself to someone at this party? Can I make friends with someone at this party? Can I have a conversation with my seatmate on the plane? etc...). Remember that most people instinctively want to like you. Let them. But sometimes people are closed off. Do not let that get to you. Just stay chipper and move on. I used to be the shy nerdy kid in school but most people in my life now wouldn't believe me if I told them that. I made a really deliberate effort to gain confidence in my social skills. It's dated and embarrassingly titled, but How To Win Friends And Influence People is a really good, genuine book on this.