[SeeGeeWhy]

kn, reflect on what it is you seek. Connection, companionship, intimacy? These are all very different needs and can be had through very different ways.

The social dynamic is one which begins at self, expands to two, and then expands to groups, very large groups and so on. Many people suggest working at a group dynamic level and then working your way to one on one level, but I firmly believe it must start at the self. You cannot forget that the self is at the core of every interaction and it is smething that must be developed constantly.

On top of this, being introverted by nature means you process social interactions at a different rate than what our society currently demands. In a social media interaction for instance, the other person is gone before you have a chance to respond to the communication, so they're not really listening and the two of you don't really make a connection. This is difficult for an introverted person to deal with.

Some suggestions I have are to try things that move at your pace. More than anything you need to find people that are similar enough to you to make a connection.

To work on self... Meditate to get to know yourself (there are several kinds of meditation, find one and find a good teacher - there is a community waiting for you in the right practice); read more fiction as it develops your emotional intelligence and gives you a wider breadth of tools to interact with others. Working wth a life coach or personal development coach is a great tool, it sounds like you have an instinctual desire to try this... Listen to your instinct. You really will never gain true connection by becoming something you are not. But you can teach yourself how to create a vision for yourself that is aligned with your being and bring that aspect of yourself to life. A great and short book to read is "as a man thinketh" by James Allen, on how to create useful mindsets actively instead of letting negative and largely subconscious emotions dictate your outlook on life. It's simple, but if you believe it, you will become it. The mind is a powerful thing. Of course, always exercise and eat well.

To connect with others... Look for a way to give yourself to others - have you ever tried being a big brother and being matched with a young introverted boy? These kinds of relationships are deeply rewarding.