How do you get rid of social awkwardness/anxiety?

I would suggest you see a professional therapist. Talking to someone and saying it out loud will be a big help. Ask your physician or some trusted person to recommend a good one. If you are working, many insured workplaces have programs to talk to a therapist for free -- usually the first 4 to 6 visits. If you then receive a diagnosis, you can often continue and have most of it covered by health insurance. Other options include contacting the United Way or look under Social Service in the Yellow pages for free options or services on a sliding income scale.

Now, as someone who has gone through this, let me tell you, it's them not you. Don't you think there is something wrong with someone who picks on someone rather than reaching out to help them. I went through this in my twenties and now in my 60's, I look back on it and think "how dare they". Now my answer to criticism is "Really, well your entitled to your opinion. But in my opinion you are just being rude".

Hang in there. It will get better. There is probably nothing whatsoever wrong with the way you look or what you are saying.