Great suggestions! As an introvert myself (and my wife is an introvert as well), it's definitely difficult to make real connections and "come out of your shell". I was heavily introverted until my senior year in high school when I decided I was tired of feeling the way I did all the time and decided to stop caring so much about what other people think about me.

Granted, it was a slow process, but in combination with going "away" to college, I was able to slightly break out of my personal bubble. I still have many characteristics of an introvert, but I have found a way to manage those feelings and decrease the amount that they affect me. By no means have I completely "come out of my shell", and I do still feel anxiety when I'm in large groups, but if you can stay focused on the smaller group that you're a part of while you're out in a crowded setting, I've found that it helps me get through.

Great post!