If you're not great socially, to what extent is it ok to inflict yourself on other people?

[Torrac]

I'm not talking about inviting myself to parties or anything like that but things like Meetup cinema trips, evening classes, sports clubs... that don't require a huge amount of interacting.

I mostly do things alone but there are some things that I want to do that involve other people. I'm fairly inoffensive and people don't tend to actively dislike me but I'm quite awkward.

I'm thinking about this because I've been at an art thing. Not really a class. More show up and use the facilities but there is a teacher. I sit alone, I'm happy doing my own thing and I always feel uncomfortable when the teacher leaves the rest of the group to speak to just me. Just pondering whether I should dilute it by going once a fortnight or something instead of every week.

From what you describe you're not 'inflicting' yourself on anyone! You're doing your own thing, minding your own business, enjoying the class.

You have every right to be there if you're enjoying the activity. You don't need to earn the right to go with witty banter and small talk.

No! If you enjoy it, definitely don't attend less. That would be such a shame. I do understand about feeling awkward, but could it be that you feel that more than it appears to other people? You probably come across as quite 'normal' to other people (whatever normal is).

You sound much nicer and easier than you think you are. Definitely keep going every week.

Unless you are actively rude on purpose, then I don't think you are inflicting yourself. If you mean you are shy, sometimes say the wrong thing, don't know what to say etc, then you're absolutely fine. Not everyone needs to be the class joker.

Why is the teacher leaving the rest of the group to speak to you? Do you mean you are sitting notably apart from the rest of the group? Or is the teacher just moving around the group? If you are apart can you move closer?
Either way it doesn't sound like you are inflicting yourself on anyone so I wouldn't worry.

No, don't stop going every week, you deserve to be there as much as any other person!

Own your space.