I can't do small talk

I find it so hard to make friends and have conversations with people because I never really know what to say and all the 'openers' people talk about my brain categorises as 'small talk'.

I'll make an effort if I like someone but then I just end up getting so nervous that I usually freeze...

I really do appreciate all the people in my life who came to talk to me first and kept me as a friend ever since :D