Thank you all for helping me out in whatever way you know how. To be clear, I'm not some sociopath or recluse but I do feel a certain sense of disengagement when it comes to relating to people at a party. I find the best antidote is alcohol (to a certain extent) and then I usually can let go a little.
I think one of the main problems is I can't let go of the necessary inhibitions so I may have a few strong drinks, and then too many inhibitions are gone. I need to find that happy medium. But, I just wish I could do that without the need of alcohol.
The trick too (like many have pointed out) is conversation. I'm all for a good conversation but I find no one is interested in the things I like (general science, scientific issues, life, people, the mind, travel). At least in the parties I go to.
So, I'll take everyone's advice the best I can and I'll update later. I don't have a computer until the 8th.
Thanks everyone. Let's give it a shot!