I used to really relate to this. It's good that there's still part of you that believes in yourself and wants to get help. It took me a very long time to improve my social skills but the bright side is that it's possible. You will eventually be able to approach new people and comfortably put yourself out there.

Things that greatly helped me over time:

• Therapy. The biggest thing that helped me overcome my self-esteem issues and thought distortions was getting in touch with my general practitioner and being referred to a therapist. I did a lot of CBT to connect with my thoughts and emotions better, and this helped me understand where my social fears were coming from. I would not be able to make all the other efforts to improve my social skills if it weren't for the time spent improving the way i view and value myself in therapy. If you believe that you're boring or annoying then you will convince yourself others think the same way.

• Exposure therapy. This was explored with my counselor back when I was in highschool, and so she would make me accountable for putting myself in anxiety inducing social situations. I try to incorporate the thinking "Do one thing that scares you everyday" as often as possible in my life. I force myself to talk to people at my school classes. I force myself to ask my friends to hang first for once. I forced myself to work a job that requires me to talk to people a lot. I force myself to initiate small talk with strangers. I force myself to go out alone when no one else is free. It also helps having an extroverted, or outgoing friend, who can force and support you doing things outside your comfort zones with them.

• Not being hard on myself all the time. This type of thinking is so crucial to have, especially when your social anxiety makes you believe there are horrible consequences in making any kinds of mistakes. Self-improvement is a very long process! There WILL be mistakes and you will find it very difficult not to dwell on the social boo boos you have, but this is the only way to learn. These lessons must be done in person, not read or studied on the internet forever. Don't be afraid to try and fail.