So, been lurking and I happened to be reading an article earlier on developing eye contact and next steps and it got me thinking about taking those first steps in communication.

But, what if you generally don't feel an immediate need to interact in social scenarios to still enjoy yourself? That's not to say I never feel guilty about not making an open or interacting on occasion, but generally-speaking if I go to a bar, club, event or anything else (typically solo), I expect that I can/will make my own fun, whether that's listening to a live band or enjoying what the DJ's spinning (typically EDM, and that's without drugs), enjoying a few beers, or even something that most of you would probably find utterly ridiculous like watching various bar sports being played when a venue has them (say a game of shuffleboard going on -- I've always been more of a tactician than needing to be hands on). Typically any interaction I have with people comes from outside approach or on occasion common ground (say we're both noticing the same SportsCenter clip or something). I'm not even going to sit here and lie and say I wouldn't be scared of interaction sometimes either.

Like I said, every so often I feel bad about it, but usually I'll come home and say "You know it was a good night, I enjoyed myself." Now maybe that's because I've tied the nightlife in with the rest of my day? I don't know. So I'm curious as to what people would say is a good improvement step in this scenario, keeping in mind I already am aware of some of my major weaknesses, notably recognizing IOIs even when eye contact or communication is made, approach confidence (despite having general confidence in my communication skills), and analysis paralysis.