I've been going out two evenings in a row.

Basically, in my town (Paris), every year there is the "firemen's ball" which means every fire-station organizes a party with live bands. It's actually very cool, people from all ages come (kids and old folks as well), good vibes, lots of young females. The only thing is that all the firemen and army guys are wearing their uniforms, so all the attention is going to them. It's basically their night of the year where they can get laid as easy as fuck.

1st Night:

I go with a childhood friend, we drink a bit, chilling and talking about politics, God and all those fine topics.

We go to the ball and I could feel all the energy and confidence in me, I approach left and right, make all kind of girls dance with me, approach sets. I'm basically doing everything right. I see guys being rejected and when I go right after the girls start dancing me smiling. I can say it all goes great, I make out with a blonde HB8 for quite a while. At one point, my friend leaves, I lose the blonde and decide to go home because I'm tired as hell (I admit the idea of being alone a the party killed my vibe a bit). At this night I was on top of my game.

2d night:

Another firemen's balls is organized (Yes this year we have 2 of them in a row). I didn't plan to go but on my way home I see there is big party at the fire-station so I much hesitation (going out solo? really?) I decide to go.

This time I'm solo, haven't drunk a single drop of alcohol. Boy was it different. First I feel like a weirdo being solo, I was super self conscious. I go on the dance floor but I'm not convinced, the energy isn't there and girls can feel it. I'm not able to dance with any girl at that point. I approach a set of 2 and they leave quickly. Also the number of uniform guys is way bigger than the night before. I suck BIG time and I'm too ashamed to stay. I take the metro home, I feel like a total loser and my body is tense.

The contrast between those 2 night was phenomenal. I think it has a lot to do with going out solo, I wasn't prepared for this at all, it made me extremely stressed out. The lesson I learned is that I still have a long way to go. It could have been worse (I could have chickened out by not going out solo), but I wasn't proud of this last night.

Also, I couldn't believe my body's reaction the 2d night: heart pulse going up, dry mouth, self conscious etc. In the metro home I tried to meditate on that feeling and face it. I hope I can fight it and use it to my advantage one day.

If you're in Paris during July you should go to those parties, they're free and extremely fun!