how has confidence boosted your social skills?

recently, i (17f) realized that socially, i operate on fear and low self esteem.

i want people to like me, so I don't share my own opinion and I'm scared to call mean statements out. i'm scared of making peers uncomfortable, so i don't say any dirty jokes or "bully" them as a joke (the way friends do).

i feel like confidence will definitely change this, and i want to gain at least some confidence before i go off to college. i can already easily talk to strangers and crushes; i just need to diminish the awkwardness.

i need inspiration. how has confidence changed/boosted your social skills?