I concur with the suggestion elsewhere on this page to try ToastMasters (though I think you should really try to commit to at least the introductory sequence, to get good value out of it).
I also concur with the advice that dealing with social interactions is like muscle training: you need to do it repeatedly, and semi-regularly. And also, yes, it may be a little painful at first; and may feel very artificial--that's OK. A good place to practice: in a grocery store line, with whomever is behind you; and possibly with the checker, if they don't look stressed already.
I didn't see MeetUps mentioned already, but I've found them great. That's because they give the participants something to do/think about/focus on; when the conversation might drag, or otherwise be awkward. Do note that going to MeetUps with, ahem, possibly an unusually high population of introverts might NOT be a great idea. In other words, don't expect to practice your social skills so much at, say, a 'New Features in TypeScript' meetup; but one devoted to, say, fresh-water canoeing might be better (yes that's nearly stereotyping, but roll with it, please...).
Lastly, a great way to socialize, in a low-stress environment, is contra-dancing (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance). If you're not familiar, it's a dance form that is VERY approachable for the most un-coordinated among us. And live music, with just a nominal cover charge, typically. BTW, they usually have a mini-class at the beginning of each dance. But there are only about a dozen moves, and most of them are pretty basic (especially if you've done any square dancing or ballroom dancing before--but contra dancing is easier to learn). Typically there's a mid-dance break, which is a great time to practice socializing. Also, people usually change partners after each individual dance, so you get to meet lots of folks. (But don't expect to take anyone home that night--it's the _opposite_ of a 'meat market'; and you will not be welcomed back if you're too aggresive...) There are dances in pretty much every state in the USA, and some outside the USA; though there are the most in the North East USA. Caveat: most dances were shut down completely due to COVID-19 and are just starting up again.
I also concur with the advice that dealing with social interactions is like muscle training: you need to do it repeatedly, and semi-regularly. And also, yes, it may be a little painful at first; and may feel very artificial--that's OK. A good place to practice: in a grocery store line, with whomever is behind you; and possibly with the checker, if they don't look stressed already.
I didn't see MeetUps mentioned already, but I've found them great. That's because they give the participants something to do/think about/focus on; when the conversation might drag, or otherwise be awkward. Do note that going to MeetUps with, ahem, possibly an unusually high population of introverts might NOT be a great idea. In other words, don't expect to practice your social skills so much at, say, a 'New Features in TypeScript' meetup; but one devoted to, say, fresh-water canoeing might be better (yes that's nearly stereotyping, but roll with it, please...).
Lastly, a great way to socialize, in a low-stress environment, is contra-dancing (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contra_dance). If you're not familiar, it's a dance form that is VERY approachable for the most un-coordinated among us. And live music, with just a nominal cover charge, typically. BTW, they usually have a mini-class at the beginning of each dance. But there are only about a dozen moves, and most of them are pretty basic (especially if you've done any square dancing or ballroom dancing before--but contra dancing is easier to learn). Typically there's a mid-dance break, which is a great time to practice socializing. Also, people usually change partners after each individual dance, so you get to meet lots of folks. (But don't expect to take anyone home that night--it's the _opposite_ of a 'meat market'; and you will not be welcomed back if you're too aggresive...) There are dances in pretty much every state in the USA, and some outside the USA; though there are the most in the North East USA. Caveat: most dances were shut down completely due to COVID-19 and are just starting up again.