I am introverted with significant social anxiety, and I realize these are tools I intuited without thinking too much about it, in large part from observing othe

I am introverted with significant social anxiety, and I realize these are tools I intuited without thinking too much about it, in large part from observing other people and a selective pressure relating to survival (it also helps that for over ten years of my formative adult years I had a constantly rotating set of roommates, which was essential because I didn’t make enough money to live entirely on my own). One thing I’d like to highlight is that it is better to adopt a mindset where interacting is an opportunity to learn and enrich, rather than merely waiting around for your turn to speak. People really can tell the difference, and it turns most folks off. Another thing I constantly have to remind myself is to just let it go when the conversational flow moves on… it’s really awkward when you insist on back tracking a conversation to something that came up half an hour ago. Read the room, watch body language, and if you really think a topic is that exciting or useful you can bank it for a follow-up conversation. Also, say someone’s name back to them after you learn it, and try to casually use it here and there as you converse so you (hopefully) don’t forget it.