Hey, First: Everyone feels awkward at that age. That's why they're the "awkward teenage years" Second: A lot can change in a year. I have countless stories of

Hey, First: Everyone feels awkward at that age. That's why they're the "awkward teenage years" Second: A lot can change in a year. I have countless stories of people going from feeling like they'll be alone forever to a girlfriend that loves them and a good tech job a year later. The stories I have involve people of all ages too, because a lot can change in a year. Third: Be open. Try new restaurants and see new movies. Join new clubs outside of programming (e.g., Chess, Go, mobile design, biking, whatever) This is important because it helps when striking up conversation when doing the next part. Fourth: Grow your social networks. You don't have to be best friends with everyone (and shouldn't!) but having a bigger network does make things easier. With stuff from #3, you have higher odds of getting along with people. Fifth: I'm not that old, so lots of people in this thread will have better advice than me, but you'd be surprised how far you'll get with just those four items. I was.