[glassesman]

I've gotten way "better" at social events and parties over the years. It hasn't changed my dislike for them; I still find them exhausting and unpleasant.

I think it's important to remember that one's level of skill and appreciation of something aren't always directly related. I have found some things to be more enjoyable as I've improved (art, music, fighting games), but other things, like big social gatherings, remain unenjoyable for me.

[lmpostor]

You're missing the point he just stated, the goal he described is appreciation. Creating your own appreciation in a specific context is the aforementioned skill, and finding it to be exhausting and unpleasant is reflective of not having that skill.