Hi Stephanie. I relate to your story! Introvert, yes. My way of dealing is changing my mindset from taking to giving. It makes me feel less useless when the event is over.

Then I ask honest questions. I observe people (can be fun and gives me great inspiration to write about). And only last year (I'm 55 now) I learned how to look people in the eye and connect properly. With my heart. Makes a huge difference. For me and for them...

The young people I meet though are much quicker at learning, so I wish you the best connections in the world! Friendship is fun and you never know where you'll meet them...