Socially Awkward

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My friend and I were talking yesterday and she mentioned a guy and I said "Oh, I Love (hisnamehere)! And I don't find him creepy at all." (Some people have commented that he is creepy). And she said "I don't think he's creepy, he's just socially awkward. YOU'RE very socially awkward. Much more so than he is and you are not creepy in the least." I rolled my eyes and said "Well THANKS." And she laughed and said "Well I could LIE to you and say that you were, like, some huge social butterfly but that would probably not end well." "Yeah", I replied, "very counter productive. And I was kidding. I prefer honesty." She smiled and said "I know.". And I continued, "I don't really mind it when you say it. It only bothers me when it's my mother, honestly." And she nodded, "That's probably because I'm not being mean. I'm just...talking to you. But with her it's like...nyeeeeh(random unintelligible sound that we make)." I paused for a moment. "Teach me." She looked up. "What?" "Teach me to NOT be awkward." She sort of made a sound and said "Oh, I can't do that." Her tone suggested that she had tried something like that before and that it had not gone well.

So here is my question: How can I learn to be less awkward, socially? I mean...is there any good literature on the subject? Like, could I just go to the library and find a book on it? Should I go to a SEMINAR? What can I do to fix it? I have always been awkward and I am kind of sick of it... Suggestions?

I don't find socially awkward people creepy either. Maybe it's because I am awkward myself. I have always been awkward, and it's probably a confidence thing. For me being terribly shy, makes me awkward. I make poor eye contact and usually have very little to say. If I feel confident, and I don't feel like hiding myself at the same time as communicating, I become less awkward, I make better eye contact and even if I have little to say it doesn't bother me. What exactly will make you feel more confident, I'm not sure. You can try to forget that you are awkward in the first place. Just tell yourself, that you are doing the best you can. And if it seems more awkward than what is expected, then so be it. Just try and be comfortable with yourself. I guess I'm the last bloke in the world who should be giving such advice, but I hope it helps.

For me the creepiness comes in when someone who is naturally quiet and shy tries to pretend like they aren't. There will always be an air of falseness and people will pick up on that and think you're creepy.