HammyB. Wise words ! I couldn't agree more !
My dear Mum (r.i.p. Mum) always said 'manners maketh the man. '
I can't advise other than what's been said above, but you've accepted faults or insensivity, that's great , because it's a tool to build and change. Small steps.
'Don't expect anything from a pig but a grunt' is another saying. Well you don't sound like a pig to me, you have skills, use them. Social skills have to be practiced, like any skill, use it or lose it.
Smile, at people, say good morning at the shop, make their day, watch their smile. Small effort big reward.
Slightly off topic, and tongue in cheek humour before I get told off !
My friend ( lost touch now, I miss her) once told me to go for a walk, in the park, I was a bit low and needed a lift. I asked her 'what for ?'
she said 'make friends and smile' my reply 'chat to strangers ?'
'No, just smile at the ugly people' But her point was, I'd giggle around the park smiling, looking for the ugly people. Of course I tried, I smiled , at everyone !
Then they were all beautiful, and so was I !