Going to a work party soon

Its going to be miserable, but I'm going, because I'll never grow if I don't push myself. I'm worried that I'll be sitting there too quiet, waiting for people to feel sympathy and make small talk. Its going to be awkward, gruesome and useless, but despite all of that i'm going. Everyone gets along well, but I usually stay distant and keep to myself. I hope its different this time.

Tips?