These are all great tips. Being social (and networking) is one of those things you really just need to experience to get better. I kept buying books and readi

These are all great tips. Being social (and networking) is one of those things you really just need to experience to get better. I kept buying books and reading articles online thinking that those would somehow replace the painful awkwardness of attempting to be social. The only thing that really worked was doing it over and over until I at least felt comfortable. You need to force yourself into situations you know you don't enjoy. I still get nervous before I need to do anything really social (maybe this is normal for everyone, I'm not sure). But, once I'm there, I'm pretty calm. I also don't get the crushing nervousness that I used to get when I was younger.