I suck at socializing in group setting. My most uncomfortable situations are those social mixers, where I am in midst of 20+ strangers who happened to be at that event.

I don't know what to say to strangers other than "that was a good event" or "Isn't weather is great?". Additionally, sometimes I feel like there is no point talking to strangers since there is no guarantee I will see them again.

I notice those people who are popular and they surround themselves in a circle. Most likely they brought friends with them, so it is easier to socialize. I am afraid of joining them because I feel like being a try hard to fit into that circle. So I try to keep myself busy by talking to random person next to me, or just leave the party early after I finish eating/drinking.

I realize this is my weakness and making me afraid of going out to socialize.

So I decided to just start attending these mixer events more. However, I don't want to go there to waste time.

What are some tips that I can keep in mind to help me with this?