Interesting that so far I am about the only one to say I start out extroverted and guess what? It is a learned behavior and not my natural tendency. I didn't learn it all that well either. My wife complained that I never talked to people at social events. Why this was a surprise I do not know; she approached me at an office Christmas party when we started dating. So I worked on it and I can confidently walk up to people and introduce myself. Then it can get awkward because if there isn't a conversation already going on that I can join I can go off the tracks. I do stuff like make a light hearted joke about their occupation but it is too deadpan and sounds like an insult. Or I say something about the subject being discussed in an ongoing conversation that is inappropriate or odd to most people. I keep trying because I do need a local friend or two. Now my wife complains that I talk to people. I can't win.

One of my most common "social" activities is kayak fishing. There is a local board where trips are arranged, you meet the others at the lake or river and mostly paddle around and fish alone with your thoughts except for when you have deep meaningful conversations like "Nice fish" - "Thanks" or "Want to paddle over there and see if the fishing is better?" - "OK".