I didn't say I had an awful time; I loved it. I said it doesn't improve general social skills, which was the OP claim.

Not only did I play AD&D from 12-18, I also played a lot of Traveler, a bit of Runequest and Cyberpunk, and a smattering of other games like Phoenix Command. And I'll say that my observation is that not only did it not improve my social skills, it didn't measurable improve those in the various friend groups, some of whom, 40 years later and still gaming, are just about as awkward as when they were in high school.

It's because it's fantasy, and the reactions you get from NPCs is what the DM comes up with; they're not real people, they're all one person. The gamers in your group could be just as socially awkward as you; all you're going to learn from them is how to interact with other socially awkward people.

Now, if your party consists of a bunch of extrovert players, you could learn from them. But IME gaming only made things worse: it exacerbated the inside joke, us-vs-the-jocks, we're skater because we play intellectually stimulating games mentality that contributes to social awkwardness.

Building an echo chamber of friends, most likely much like you in headspace, doesn't expand your ability to be socially fluid.

You ever been to a convention? There are some really great outgoing people are those. There are also a large number of folks who are just plain fucking awkward. I was one of them.

You know what guaranteed helps with social skills? The military. Enforced, constant interaction with a bunch of people of all personality types that you don't get to choose.

I am pro-gaming. I think it's a great pursuit. It might even help improve your basic math skills, but I don't think it cures cancer, and I don't think it at all helps with improving general social skills.