Make Yourself Simply Irresistible

Awkward?  The easiest way to start a conversation or make a friend is to ask someone about themselves.  Don't be scared or withholding.  Ask.  It's not contrived.  You are interested, right?

Resist the temptation to be silent or to blab about yourself or about something the other person may care less about.  Common interests are also a good launching pad.  Just make sure they are actually interested in this topic and you are not just assuming that they are.  And don't worry.  You'll have plenty of time to talk about yourself later.

This may not help you get people to like you.  But you can feel better about making an effort and start enjoying social interactions more.  Accept that some people aren't going to like you.