Why is ML easier than social skills? I think because social skills hit your emotions.
With that said—some advice.
2 types of social skills:
1 - Approach
2 - Long term / friendship / partnership
Both are very different. I'm good at the first, but not great at the second.
For the first:
1 - Make sure you are healthy and getting healthier. Fitness first. (I recommend Partner Acrobatics—and once strong enough BJJ. These are also social. Best path to strength is through gymnastics). Get a personal trainer if you can.
2 - Learn to get over rejection. It will happen a bunch—by both males and females. A lot of people—especially older, already have friends. They don't need more.
3 - Join hobby-based groups. What do you really like? Do it with a group. Find a group. And make sure you really like what you do. The energy you give off will bring people to you.
For the long term:
1 - Time management is crucial.
2 - Invite people over for dinners
3 - Make sure you plan lots of activites
4 - Make sure you can view social events on your calendar app so you fill every day
5 - Learn to listen.
6 - Learn to follow up with people about really meaningful events / people / projects in their lives and call/see them every 3 months or less. Ideally you can find someone you talk to every day :) And then an ever growing number of people in the other buckets.
Good luck!!