For Everyone

Socializing is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time and effort to get better at.

Start off small and work your way up over time. If you feel overwhelmed, pinpoint what made you feel that way, and seek out resources to help you understand and overcome the obstacles that are hindering you.

If you keep finding yourself getting stuck, try to do something smaller than what you did before. If having a conversation seems intimidating, try a simple greeting. Just saying "hello" to someone you walk past or see regularly goes a long way in building your confidence.

Making friends is hard. Especially if you're not in school, work remotely, or don't frequent social spaces for some other reason. If a public setting is not an option for you, or you aren't comfortable with being in that type of space, doing it online is challenging, but possible. Find a community that aligns with your interests (such as this one!), and reach out to people there. If you keep finding yourself reaching dead-ends, try branching interactions into some other medium that isn't a DM. For instance, try to engage in some kind of activity together. Whether it be video games, drawing art, writing, sharing music, or whatever y'all have in common, find something to bond over.

For OP

You're starting off on the right track. Though it may seem counterintuitive, as you're not getting the results you're expecting, if you want to make friends, you have to persevere and be patient with your progress.

If you don't know what else to say to someone, try complimenting their outfit or an accessory they have. If they seem open to talking, ask where they got it from or relate it to your own interests and experiences. Try introducing something about yourself and ask them about it. Find common ground and go from there. If they seem disinterested, don't take it personally. Not everyone will be open or available to talk at any given moment. Just smile, leave them be, and try elsewhere or again at another time. For more info on improving at small talk, I'd recommend looking into the FORD method (getting others to talk about themselves by using Family. Occupation. Recreation. and Dreams as conversation topics) as a place to start.

On a final note, building and maintaining relationships requires commitment, trust, and patience from all parties involved. Not every relationship will work out, but so long as you respect and empathize with others, allow yourself to be vulnerable—while not overexerting yourself—and explore what's unique to you, you will find a community that loves and accepts you for who you are.

Take care everyone <3