Same boat. Terrified of socializing, desperately need it, bars seem like a good place esp in the cozy gay port town I live in.

Having a +1 is great just for confidence, don't expect to run into people.

Ime generally you want to > sit at the bar for a bit, make convo with the people next to you if you can, it's okay to butt in depending on the kinda conversation.

After a drink or two get up, do something on your feet, dance, sit somewhere else in the establishment. People are at bars to socialize, otherwise they'd be home. Don't be too afraid to say hi.

Come back and sit at a diff seat next to diff people, repeat until you get pulled into a conversation.

Glhf!! :333