That doesn't make sense to me. You're definitely a smart guy at least, and that brings something to the table. The thing about respect is that sometimes you can't earn it, you just have to take it. If someone makes a rib, you make a rib right back, but always be mindful of their seriousness. They will see you can take a joke, and dish one back without getting personal. People are willing to take a lot of stuff as long as you're friendly about it, and they respect you for it. Just know their limits, and yours. If they make a joke about something a little too much, or a little too personal, make sure to tell them it's not cool, but don't completely rain-down on the party, just be smooth and controller about it. Never make a scene.
Also, people like when you know what you're talking about, but never go overboard. Like I said, you're a smart guy, just don't ever go too in-depth or far into a particular subject, unless it's a special conversation. Nobody wants to be that guy that's on the family-sitcom that over-explains everything. That's never fun, and it's always a conversation killer.
If you want to be funnier, I suggest just start watching a lot of stand-up. Don't just take jokes word for word, or even templates, but just sit back and think about what they're saying, and more importantly, how they are saying it. I think a lot of comedians look at the world in a very unique, interesting way, but it just luckily happens to be very funny at the same time. Try and emulate that, but own it in your own way.
If you want to do stuff with people more, that seek and sought after junk actually applies. If you're having a good time, and some dude is telling you that you need to come to parties at their place or friend's frat house, club, whatever, just play it cool and keep telling them that it sounds like a good time. Always give them a "Yeah, maybe. That sounds good." Always play it cool.
