Is anyone introverted by nature but wishes they were extroverted

I find that I am constantly battling myselft internally. I so badly want to be able to talk about what is on mind and feed off of people and emotions but find myself looking at reason and idealism instead. I don't have problems with shyness and confidence. I have no problems talking about things I am passionate about. I wish I was just able to feel just as passionate about small talk and discussing things that maybe others are intested in. Extraverted people appear so much happier and I feel sometimes I am unable to make meaningfull relationships is so badly desire because I am always so focused inward. I find I tire easily of small talk and social situations even though I long for them when I am by myself. Any ideas or thoughts on how to battle introversion? So many people try to tell my the strenghts of being introverted but I just don't see them. What is the point of having these strengths if you are unhappy inside?!?

Many people who aren't are introverted find making small talk difficult, boring or not to their liking. I tire quickly of small talk, and, as a therapist, I don't think that's abnormal, as many people are bored by it.

However, I find I can make brief conversation with most any stranger I meet. There are books you can read on the subject. The one that comes to mind now is "How to Talk To Anyone About Anything" by Barbara Walters.

"How are you?" is always a good opener, but when the person responds merely with something like "Fine," it's difficult to go on from there.