Ask HN: Any advice for being popular/navigating cliques/the social hierarchy?

In highschool, I didn't spend any time in learning how to be popular since I was too focused on my interests. Similarly, during my internships, I focus on doing a lot of work to the exclusion of everything else e.g. making friends and being liked.

The reason I'm reaching out is because I eventually reached a point where I found it unbearable being lonely and feeling left out (I tend to become quiet in group situations). I've taken a number of steps to fix this part of my life.

Just wondering if HN has any tips/advice within this area.

Thanks!