I’m female, 22, &amp; fairly awkward. I’m able to make conversation with people when they’re very receptive, but in groups of strangers I’m usually the one standing alone, rocking back and forth on my heels and just looking around trying to seem casual, while internally freaking out with anxiety.

When I was suffering from much worse anxiety and self esteem issues I went to a concert alone 2-3 years ago. A lot went wrong. A guy who also came alone was in line after me, and since we waited like 12 hours to get front row we talked a lot but I was extremely uncomfortable around men at the time and was very shakey and awkward. I also was called out in front of 50+ people for parking in a no park zone and had to scramble to find a parallel spot in downtown Chicago (I don’t know how to parallel park unless I have a ton of room). I managed to make things work but a lot of other silly dumb things happened that night and I wince thinking about it.

My big thing is that I waited 12 hours and plan to do that again to get front row at a concert next month. The only thing was that last time everyone around me was between 5’0-5’8 and I’m 6 feet tall. I turned around a few times and this 5’0 girl was just looking at me awkwardly and constantly pushing my ponytail over my shoulder because it was probably smacking her in the face. I eventually asked if she wanted to go in front of me and she was very happy and I pushed her there. I immediately got sucked into a mosh pit and although I really get into concerts I’m there to go crazy but also see/listen to the artist, not fall to the floor in a pile and get punched. Am I selfish for staying in the front row for so long? I hate irritating people so I really don’t know.

Also, does anyone have advice on being alone? At concerts do people even actually care?