How can I socialize with people better?

Sometimes I have no problems talking to people in classes and can keep a conversation going but more times than not, I just don't feel it's worth it, I'm not in the mood, or I can't think of anything to say and don't want to embarass myself by saying something stupid. I like to do things on my own, and that includes thinking introvertedly. If someone brings up a good topic I contribute if they're talking specifially to me, but if they're talking in general I usually don't respond because I don't like awkward silences and if the conversation ends I'm not always interested or confident enough to continue it. I doubt myself and feel like people won't relate to or that I'll bore them. It doesn't help that I just moved to the area as of last year and go to a big school filled with A LOT of competition with grades, looks, and sports. The people are cliquey and everyone wants to be popular, drink, and do drugs. I'm not interested in that and people make you feel like a loser if you don't. I'm not against people doing that stuff, it's just not my thing. I've experienced it and have more fun sober.

I'm really inconsistent in how I interact with people...sometimes I'm friendly, sometimes I'm not, and people probably think I'm stuck-up. I know I'm an interesting person and around my close friends I'm witty, insightful, and have a lot to say. But around people in class who I don't know well I feel uncomfortable unless I'm in a small group or pair when I know people will hear me. I guess I'm just afraid of being ignored or thought of as annoying. How can I get over this? This may sound rude, but I can talk to nerds/average people just fine--it's the loud and super confident ones I have trouble talking to. Help! I'm a sophomore in high school.How can I socialize with people better?
I was just like you when I was in high school. I never wanted to talk out loud in class, I was only comfortable in a class if I had friends in it with me, and I was one of the girls in the bathroom who always had a friend with her. I was diagnosed later on in life with social anxiety disorder and bi-polar disorder. I have to say, life does get easier. Maybe not now, but it will... I can do things now that I couldn't do in high school, maybe its because I became a mom earlier than MOST, and just got used to always having to talk to people (doctors about my daughter, being seen on the delivery table, breastfeeding in public) ? I dont know... I don't want you to jump to conclusions and think that you NEED to see a doctor and get on some medication, but if it helps, maybe see a councelor? I am unmedicated, and I am doing fine... dont let everyone tell you that you will need medication or whatever. I would just go talk to someone and see what they say...How can I socialize with people better?
Read a book called how to win friends and influence people.
Dont be home on a Saturday night on Yahoo answers is a good way to start. just get out talk to people even if they may not like you it will come

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