OK, I think I’ve achieved this. It’s funny how one can achieve a goal in different way than one thought it would go. I don’t now know hundreds of of more people. But I now know how to have an interesting conversation by speaking plainly and with authority and listening with interest. I’m not shy of asking people’s names or introducing myself.

This did not happen all by itself. It took lots of practice and a dedication to self-acceptance and a number of uncomfortable situations.