What should I do about my social awkwardness?

So I am a very introvert person who enjoys the company of others, if I get around to it, however usually I tend to avoid these situations because of my discomfort toward strangers. My boyfriend, on the other hand is totally opposite. He tries to meet as many new people as he can. He connects on some kind of personal level with everyone, and he's often the life of the party. This difference in personalities tends to disrupt our relationship quite often. He also says he almost feels like not inviting me to parties because I can be so socially awkward. Whenever I am in the presence of an "alpha female" I feel like I am not good enough and tend to stay in the shadows. My boyfriend often tells me that I don't "love myself", but I hardly get this concept. I feel my actions and thoughts may get the better of me, ultimately ending my relationship. What steps should I take to prevent this?