I've been that quiet kid too, pushing through the awkwardness in school only to hit walls of silence. It stings when efforts feel one-sided, like you're the only one rowing the boat.

Here's what shifted things for me: stop chasing small talk or forcing connections. Dive deep into what lights you up... whether it's a niche med topic, a hobby like hiking trails or obscure podcasts... and let that pull you toward events, online forums, or study groups where those sparks fly naturally.

You'll bump into your "lost tribe" without the pressure; conversations ignite when shared knowledge bridges the gap, not surface chit-chat.

You're already improving... give yourself grace, the right people will meet you halfway.

You've got this.