I would really like to know if there is a way to stop being awkward or shy at social gatherings. I'm not trying to be anti-social I am just not sure how to introduce myself or how to jump into a conversation. Others can make it look so effortless and they have no problem talking about themselves.
But when I start talking, people just give me a blank stare and probably drift off to space. I guess I am not that interesting or not animated enough. First of all, the people at the party already knew each other because they were brothers and sisters. And when I did try to say something I felt like I was being ignored, especially by the guys. There was one girl at the party who was talking her ass off to someone else. They were sitting down. I guess I was supposed to stand in front of them to jump in the conversation because the way the chairs were she was turned away from me. Then when there were party games and we had to sing along, I guess I didn't react the way she wanted so she moved to a different seat. There was other girls there but I couldn't figure out what to say to them.

I have a job where I talk to old people all day and don't go out as much as it is, so I have no idea what to talk about with people my age. Am I supposed to talk about my job because that is the last thing I want to talk about. I guess I could talk about music because that is what I love the most.

 But I found a website that helps deal with awkward situations: http://www.succeedsocially.com/groups