Hi New_star
Heightened sensitivity and social events can definitely be a challenging combo. Heightened sensitivity isn't a bad thing, as having the ability to sense so much is an ability. I think it comes down to managing what we're able to sense. Btw, heightened sensitivity is one of the key tools for intuitive people, with them relying on what they can sense.
When you can sense/feel what your own nervous system is doing, when you can sense/feel other people judging what kind of person they think you are, when you can sense/feel a lack of inspiring conversation you can fully relate to and more, it's definitely challenging. You do sound intuitive, given your feeling that more practice is needed when it comes to mastering social situations.
Personally, I'm a gal who's a bit of an introvert. Due to a developing sense of wonder in relation to why I am, over time I've come to better understand how I tick and some of the revelations have been rather fascinating. For example, I can feel sound. A bit of sound or noise and I'm okay, no big deal but if you put me in a social situation such as in a room full of dozens of people all talking at once, music ramped up (with everyone trying to yell over it) and you throw in an environment where there is little carpeting and furnishings to absorb all that sound and, bamm, I can feel the whole experience. Alcohol becomes a factor too, as the more people drink the louder they get. Over-stimulation through sound. Being condensed into one small area, like with eating around a table, is something else I feel. I'm someone who naturally likes my space, so I recognise this as a challenge.
If it helps, I've found getting a better sense of who I naturally am becomes a self esteem booster. You could say, for example, if you are someone who naturally responds well to fascinating conversation you could then say the reason you don't feel engaged in conversation is based on it simply not fascinating you. As simple as that. You'll feel what fascinates you. It's one way to get a feel for people and social situations. Are they your kind of people and situations or not? Will you return with the next invite or not or will you keep looking for what feels right?
