Comment by codelikeawolf

I read "How to Win Friends and Influence People" several years ago and the "it's about them" thing really stuck with me. People really do like to talk about themselves, and that makes parties much easier if you have social anxiety. I love listening to people talk about their interests, because I always learn something and I can form a positive connection with someone new (even if their interests aren't really up my alley). It also has the added benefit of being able to make a good impression on someone without exhausting your social batteries.