I've been there. It's kind of a vicious circle, really. You don't talk to people because you're shy and awkward, and thus you don't really develop experience at speaking to people, which drives you further into your shell, and... well... yeah. Ultimately, I think you just need to push through that shyness, even if it's difficult, and force yourself to speak up and chat to people. If it helps, almost anyone who has been there, myself included, will tell you that it does get easier the more you do it.
Also, me of all people giving advice to someone on how to make friends and be sociable. What the hell has the world come to?
If they don't start a conversation with you, you can always start one with them. I know it's kind of daunting to put yourself forward like that when you're already self conscious and worried that people aren't going to like you, but the vast majority of people probably aren't going to think less of you just for making conversation with them. And the people who are probably aren't worth your time. :'D
Look man, one thing I don't like to sound like is a preacher, one who talks down to others. It makes me feel as if I'm patronising the other person. However, I hope you don't take it that way. I feel on this occassion, I can give advice out of experience.
I was not how you would say a recluse - I wasn't afraid to be around people - but I had and still have trust issues; I would speak if spoken to but not start a conversation with them or tell anyone about myself. A few people remarked when they heard me talk for the longest duration at a time. I began to look around and think why those guys are having so much fun and going places and I wasn't, and I kinda snapped in a way that I thought fuck it, this is not our life, this is mine. With that, I started becoming more vocal (more physical as well lol, I don't mean that in a sexual way either), just felt like I needed to vent and it paid off. It built character, got me heard and enabled me to move more freely in my personal life and professionally.
I wouldn't regard anyone on here as a real friend because I haven't met them in person. Even the majority of people I do know personally, I think twice about letting them know certain things. Good people come few and far, and people only learn this the hard way. Once you find these good people who stick with you through thick and thin, though, please, be sure to stay in touch with them. A good friend is a blessing.
Download Links:
Links are hidden from guests. Please register to be able to view these links.
Oh, anyway, I'm not saying you should become violent, but remember everything you do will be necessary to benefit yourself.
Don't worry so much about starting conversations, just get drawn into some yourself. Don't crack jokes, either, because they might seem only funny to you. You will learn through experience how to act the rest of the way.
Try screaming when no-one's around, too. It helps.
4:11AM, and I'm accompanying a friend to a hospital appointment at 8AM. This is what Christmas does to me. :'D Had better go and grab an hour or two of sleep. See you all around~