I find it easier to deal with social anxiety when I'm with a close friend i.e. if I'm at a party with many people, I stick with my close friend, who of course I find easy to talk to. This helps me get over my nerves at the beginning, so that I can slowly warm up to other people and feel less shy talking to them, especially if they join into a conversation I'm having with my friend. I've learned to accept the fact that not everyone is instantly comfortable in social settings, and that you have to allow your mind a chance to relax and warm up to those around you. It helps if you talk to people about very general things i.e. TV shows, movies, because you have a better chance of hitting common ground, and feeling comfortable talking to people you don't know well. My social anxiety has definitely improved over the years as I've learned these tactics for speaking to others. I really hope this helps. :)
