Hey Steve,

I've experienced similar things and yes, I don't like myself for being socially awkward.
My uncle and my mom to some extent have always thought I was autistic. So I've read up on all the symptoms and traits of autism and honestly, that's not me all. There are no obsessions, no problem with touching people, nothing can suck me up that much that I forget my surroundings for an unusual amount of time etc. Asperger seems more likely, but there's no problem with reading other people's body language, maintaining eye contact or trying to put myself into other peoples shoes etc, so it seems just unlikely.
If that sounds similar to you, that you don't have these problems but people suspect you for having autism, screw them for thinking that.

I'm convinced that lack of social interaction due to shyness and confidence issues are the true reasons for my poor social skills. And your case does sound similar to mine.