I used to be social awkward, until my late twenties. Looking at how my father had interacted with people around him, the man was a social genius (rest his soul), he could strike up conversation with anyone, any-time, any-place, any-age.
I used to think it was embarrassing the way he just started to talk to strangers, subconscious, I guess I learned, because now I find that I can talk do just the same as he had done.
Have it made my life richer? I dön't know. I still only have seven really close friends, and that suits me fine.
At a party, who doesn't want attention? If it not a fancy dress party, or a congressional party.