24/enby(afab)/USA – Not sure if anyone here will be able to help, but I thought it was worth a shot. I’m looking for any advice on getting more involved in local night-life for someone with little experience, no one to go with, and not a ton of disposable income.

I’d love to go out dancing and socializing more, but I usually don’t feel comfortable going by myself. It’s not impossible, but between concerns about my personal safety (especially where substances may be involved), general lack of experience and confidence, and the hassle of figuring out how I’m going to get where I’m going and back, I never feel relaxed enough to make it worth it even if I did manage to get in the door. (I live in a suburban area with nothing going on, public transit into the nearest city is non-existent, and ride-share is too expensive over that distance so I have to drive there and back + figure out parking and never be too impaired by substances to get myself out of a bad situation). I’m just kinda bummed about it all.

I’ve got a number of good friends in the area whom I love and see often, but they have no interest whatsoever in these sorts of activities (they got it out of their systems in college, which I had to drop out of early, or just otherwise don’t like socializing/are a bit too scared of literally everything). I know there’s no age-limit on having fun and this isn’t the most important thing at the end of the day, but I’m nearly 25 and I’ve only been out on a few special occasions – I’d like to take better advantage of this window in which I have more energy, free-time, and zest-for-life than I might ever get again (the only thing I’m a bit short on is money, lol). I’m not even talking every weekend or anything, just a few more nights a year would probably scratch the itch and help me meet new people. I feel a bit lonely, bored, and just stuck with things as they are. I don’t know how or where to meet people who share the same interest and how I’ll know when I can trust them enough to have my back. Are there particular clubbing/rave subcultures that tend to be more chill/safe? Are there any different steps I can take to get more comfortable/confident and/or keep myself safe if I’m on my own? Should I just give up on this until I’m in a different situation? Anything helps 🙂