I was invited to a party at a karaoke bar tonight, but when I got there, it was ALL couples, everyone seemed to know each other (I only knew the host, who was busy floating around), and the few attempts I made to try and engage with everyone... well, just nobody even pretended to give a shit.

All in all, a letdown considering I'm really trying to push myself outside my comfort zone.

So I'm committing that next weekend, I'm going out, by myself. I'm 31 and nobody I know is single, and I'm just sick of hanging with those guys (it's just a different energy they seem to put out, and zero interest in being wingmen for me).

Thing is... I am very prone to just getting a drink, grabbing a seat, and just never approaching anyone. Hell, most people only go to bars WITH FRIENDS.

Now, much as I'd like to do otherwise... fact is, I'm not going to be getting any gifls home with me. I've really let myself go, and it's going to take some time to get in any sort of reasonable shape.

But... I want to challenge myself. I have bitched-out countless times in the past (even had a panic attack in front of people I had JUST met last year; that shit is embarrassing as fuck), and I want to push myself to get more comfortable being around people.

So any ideas or suggestions? Should I just plan on drinking alone until I'm more comfortable in crowds of people again? Try to find a place that isn't super loud to drink as the bar, and see if there's any opportunity to strike up a casual conversation?

And how long should you commit yourself to staying, before saying "okay, I'm going to go home now", even if no progress is made?