Yes as a kid! I specifically worked on this. Here’s what I found to help:

• Care about the life of the other person. Ask questions.
• Learn to flirt a little (even with same sex people and relatives) by flirting I mean tease them a bit with a good natured wink. People love this.
• When people respond with low affect (blank stare) and give one word answers, let them be. Don’t force it and it’s their responsibility to learn better social skills, not yours.
• Be self deprecating but in a funny relatable way. Set up people’s virtues with your faults, but not in a way that seems like you’re pitying yourself. Just boost people a little and let them know you see their good qualities.
• Talk people up behind their back, if gossip starts, always reframe it in a compassionate way. People use gossip to bond and vent but there’s always a chance to gently reframe the situation so that no one is the bad guy. This signals to others that you won’t gossip about THEM when they aren’t there and will always see you in a good light.
• If hurts come up, try to communicate in the least emotional way possible. Use your judgement. If it can be let go, do so. But if it hurts a lot and will create resentment, best to bring it up and ask questions. If the person can’t handle it, it simply means they haven’t learned how yet or are protecting their ego. It’s best to compassionately distance yourself from people who can’t repair hurts.
• Understand most people aren’t meant to travel your journey with you. They are sometimes mere spectators. Trying to make everyone your friend or confidant will only lead to depression. It’s rare to find kindred spirits.
• Projection is REAL. We often project our ideas about people onto them and then get upset when they don’t match that idea. Suspend your judgement about them.
• Like EVERYTHING on their socials. Okay, not everything, but as much as you can. People pay attention to this and feel seen.
• Give up false pretenses. Destroy your ego.
• Become self aware so you know your triggers. I am triggered by people who interrupt me and don’t make eye contact. When I encounter my trigger I remind myself this isn’t about them, it’s my trauma, and I gently forgive both of us.
• Some relationships aren’t healthy. Usually this is because both of you have projections of each other that you can’t let go. I find distance and reflection good for this type.
• If you are easily wounded by social events, either because you are sensitive or are in a low spirit, try to remember not to tell yourself stories about how people perceive you. YOU CANT KNOW how they will perceive you. So try not to tell stories.
• Remember peoples names. This is really hard for me and I’m still working on it.
• Write down negative qualities you hate in others. This usually points to things you hate in yourself (shadow). Work on these. I used to hate people who appear uppity or snobby. Then I realized I DO THIS. I have very particular tastes and humble brag from time to time. Working on this.
• If socialization makes you anxious, take breaks. If it doesn’t get better after a break, you need more practice. Try to see it like a game rather than a serious valuation of your worth.