Socialization problems

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I'm kinda the opposite, in a way. I -want- to be able to talk to people, but similarly, I have limited social skills.

However, when I'm actually in a conversation, I tend to just nod and make small, one-worded replies. I'm really clumsy when it comes to talking.. Being shy doesn't help either. I find it hard to get my thoughts out sometimes, too.

So, I don't know exactly how I handle socializing. It depends, really. If I'm with people I know, I just go with the flow, I guess. If there's even a flow to begin with :P. If I'm around people I don't know, I tend to freeze up.

I've gotten very good at getting people to talk about themselves. A few directing questions and they'll ramble on forever about whatever is on their minds. If they try to direct the conversation to me, I just make some jokes and move back to them. Depending on the person, a little self-depricating humour will get them to knock off trying to get you to talk.
In group situations I've done pretty well at tossing out a few quick, painfully obvious observations, in order to keep the conversation going and make it appear I'm participating. Otherwise, someone stops halfway through, looks at you, and goes "Well, aren't you the quiet one???" in a loud voice in front of everyone.
Of course, I have good days and bad days. Sometimes I can almost fake being an extrovert, other days I want to stab my eyes out after 5 minutes.

it's really simple, just ramble on about random things that happened that day or the previous day and don't think about the next thing to say but just let words come out of your mouth... its almost too easy, i just find it to be painfully boring.

that works well, right up until you say that one thing that freaks them out and sends them running to the hills...

I like sociallising. But it can get boring and tiring after a while. But even if you don't enjoy it at all, it's kind of something you'll have to do. It's the way you make friends. The best you can do is just grin and bear it.

Thanks everybody. I didn't expect this many replies. I guess I brought up a pretty interesting subject.