How I did it: My friends used to always make fun of me and call me boring and a party-pooper because I told them I wasn't into the clubbing-thing. I'd just turned 21 so they thought that was crazy and I thought it was a little crazy too. The truth was, I wanted to go and dance and have a good time, but I was really scared to. I made up my mind that I was going to do it at least once, so that way they could shut up about me "knocking it without even trying it" and two, I could see what it was like for myself.

A trance DJ I like a lot came to play at a club and I decided this was the perfect opportunity. So I pushed through the nerves, and I went with some friends and I ended up having a really good time. I didn't drink a lot of anything, but I was surprised to notice that *gasp!* no one was actually paying attention to me. They were dancing and having a good time with their friends.

Sure, guys came up to me and asked to dance or whatever, but I wasn't at the point yet where I felt comfortable doing that, so I just politely said "No thanks, I'm just gonna dance with my friends" and that was that.

I've been clubbing twice since then, one time to see another big DJ and the other time just to go with a friend because it was her birthday. My friend and I stayed in the Latin room and we just danced bachata and merengue together. It was great and I was proud of myself.

Lessons & tips:
Bring a friend along who is sensitive to your anxiety/fears/nervousness about going clubbing. Ask if they wouldn't mind sticking around/dancing with you the first time or so that you guys go. If you are of legal age and into drinking, have one or two small drinks beforehand to calm your nerves a bit, but don't go overboard of course because then you'll just look stupid.

Wear something comfortable. I was worried about looking silly because I went in jeans and flats and a nice shirt, but there were plenty of people dressed like me. I don't know how those clubbing girls who wear tiny dresses and huge heels do it. But if you're comfy wearing those things, more power to you.

I still haven't gotten comfortable enough to dance with random guys, but it's all good. I'm taking it one step at a time.

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Apr 27, 08:00AM PDT | 0 comments | 4 cheers