For me, it helps to come out earlier and also go to a place that lets you slowly warm up for the night.
For example, I might go out around 8pm and just chat with whoever or just sit at the front where the bartenders are quietly for an hour or so at a bar I like. After this hour, I start to walk around to other bars since they're all close proximity in my town.
I like doing it this way because people will slowly start trickling in while you're relaxing and before you know it, the place will be packed. The only difference is I'm not very anxious about all the people there and being alone because I've slowly eased myself into the packed environment.
I think of it as easing into a cold pool. It sucks when you jump in all at once, but if you ease your body in, it doesn't feel as bad.
For example, I might go out around 8pm and just chat with whoever or just sit at the front where the bartenders are quietly for an hour or so at a bar I like. After this hour, I start to walk around to other bars since they're all close proximity in my town.
I like doing it this way because people will slowly start trickling in while you're relaxing and before you know it, the place will be packed. The only difference is I'm not very anxious about all the people there and being alone because I've slowly eased myself into the packed environment.
I think of it as easing into a cold pool. It sucks when you jump in all at once, but if you ease your body in, it doesn't feel as bad.