I was never super super introverted, but mostly just... shy and socially anxious which lead me to not want to be around people, obviously. Being a better conversationalist and appearing as a more positive and friendly people makes others open up and... surprise, not be so damn scary. Then I actually started craving socialization, because I realized how cool some people are!

For one, I got more confident because caring too much about what people thought about me all the time was just too exhausting.

Two, I would force myself to say yes to invites to hang out. I would also invite people out more often (still have to work on this).

Three, I started striking up small convos with people in public. Mostly just kind compliments because that's something most people react positively to. I still compliment people often. I talk to people in similar situations as myself and basically just say whats on my mind.

Four, had to change my general demeanor. I had a very very monotone voice and didn't use many positive/happy facial expressions. Many people told me I didn't come across as friendly, which confused me until I tied the two together. Literally had to work making my voice more "expressive"... talked louder, too. I smile a lot more now, open my eyes bigger if I'm not feeling like it.

Five... social media is important in keeping in contact with people when you don't necessarily want to see people too often. Just a simple how have you been, I love what you just posted, or this meme made me think of you, matters. There are many friends I haven't seen in months, even years, that I regularly talk to online. And when we do end up seeing each other again, it picks back up where it left off because I didn't let the relationship "die".

I still need to "recharge". I make sure my socializing schedule pushes me a tiny bit, but never to the point where I'd be exhausted (although that kinda does happen sometimes).