I’ve been going to meets since last February, and while I’ve had some fun and made a couple of friends (mostly just online), I still feel so out of place at meets.
Nobody ever asks me for a hug or photo, and my suit looks shit.
I just wish that I was more confident and actually could try and make irl friends.
Doesn’t help that I’m 17, which causes me a bit of anxiety because I feel like people won’t want to talk to me because of it.
Try to make small steps. If you’re comfortable chatting with people online, get to know a few before the meetup. If you become friends online there’s a good chance they’ll want to use the chance to get to know you in real life as well, at least in theory.
The important part is to just not stop trying. It will get better when you’re 18 most likely, but beyond that the only way to get better at socializing is to do it. No one will break your shell but you, I wasted a lot of years thinking otherwise.