There are oodles of Youtube videos out there about how to be more likable, etc. Haven't looked at one in ages but I think what you are doing would fall under some of what those videos would advise.

Looking back, there were many situations in which I felt socially awkward. High school dances and many party situations come to mind. In college, I would overcome the feeling by drinking too much. Some of my gfs and bfs had the abillity to make me feel relaxed but this was because we were just doing our own thing and not worrying about everyone else. Not everyone is ever going to find me interesting, funny, etc. I have mostly told myself "who cares" -- my sister was extremely popular in HS and my observation was it seemed like more trouble than it was worth. So many people put demands on her attention and time--some of them seemed like they took more than they gave (not everyone--some of her friends were great).

I do know that some people must either thrive on it or play the game because it helps them be successful in business, politics, etc. According to Youtube videos, can get more comfortable with practice. Who knows if those videos are just to attract views. Maybe they work for some. Let us know how your experiment goes......