So I've had the problem with going out to parties/raves and being taken advantage of by people I just met. Being an extroverted person who loves to dress up, I get a lot of attention. People approach me and want to befriend me or take photos with me bc I stand out. But I feel like I often attract the wrong attention.

I've had SO many situations where acquaintances I just met acted nice and like my friend but then stole my fan or vape or something. I've lost things so many times from handing them to the wrong person! I've had ppl act nice to my face but then when I politely asked for my item back, they ghosted me or became very rude & mean. I'm just trying to be nice to the people who are nice to me and have a good time. I know I can be overly friendly and need to tone it down though. I need to know when exactly to cut someone off, but it's hard to have that clarity in a party situation compared to a sober situation.

I enjoy dancing in the crowd with those around me. But I've also had guys and couples take my friendliness the wrong way, as they made passes at me. I've had guys try to touch my waist & butt, and literally had to take their hands off of me. I hate that people think they have the right to just touch me like that without permission. & I realize I often attract those who seem nice but have the wrong intentions.

I still want to go out and have fun, be social, & make new friends. But I'm tired of getting into these uncomfortable situations. I realize that if I'm alone I should be careful not get too intoxicated... it's happened when "friends" I just met bought me free drinks. I should keep to myself more, but I also still enjoy meeting new ppl & talking to new ppl. In the moment it seems like a nice idea to hand that new friend your $60 vape, but then you realize it isn't after you never get it back.

So how do you achieve a good balance of having a great time with new friends while also being smart and looking out for yourself? Tired of getting into trouble. I've met some great people who I'm still friends through party situations, but the majority of the ppl I made "friends" with just wasted my time.