Time to start trying?

I have been fixated for a while on the notion that I should not go beyond my private self in social situations, I should not crack a lot of jokes, I should not act overly enthusiastic, I should not immediately act as I'm already friends with someone, but frankly it has been very detrimental. Everywhere has fear to a level when they meet new people, making such efforts is just a way to show to someone that you are willing to be friends and assure them you don't dislike them.