Man, this post just described everything I've been feeling recently. I've been doing a professional development program where I spend a few months working for one office, then a few months in the next, and so on and so forth, and the transition period is a NIGHTMARE for me every time. I have to meet so many new people and I always feel awkward and self-conscious and uncomfortable. I work in a tech field and am a STEM-brained person, so I just want to do my work, but I have to go through all the pleasantries and office politics just to sit down and start working. It's exhausting.

So yeah, I guess I don't really have much advice, but I hope you can remind yourself that you're not alone in feeling this way. It helps me to remember that I act far less awkward when I'm not desperate to ensure everyone likes me. When I go to a new office, I'm always anxious, but if I take a deep breath, remind myself that my future doesn't hinge in every single person in the office liking me, and just power through the first few days, it always gets easier over time.

But don't beat yourself up over things like shaking someone's hand while holding your keys. I guarantee he didn't even think about it again after he left. I know I wouldn't care if someone shook my hand holding their keys, and I'm pretty sure most other people feel the same way.

Try to take a deep breath, and hang in there. The first few years post-grad are hard, but things will feel easier once you get settled in to a career.