A while back I said something along the lines of "hehe I'm gonna spend the whole weekend playing mtg instead of working on my fursuit" and well uh it's 2 days from fwa and we ain't done yet...
was talking to a friend and honestly in my experience
it has never been easier in my life to talk to, make friends with, and even go to parties and events than in the furry fandom.
the thing is you have to go out and advocate for yourself. go to things, be silly, be present.