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What do you mean by bad reputation? If someone is not going to even try to get to know what you're really like before talking to you, then eff them! I've had that happen to me before too. Unless you have done something truly awful and end up being accused of being a murderer or something like that, then I don't see why people won't give you a chance.

I know that my example was extreme, but I was just trying to make a point, lol. Have you tried joining a meetup group yet? It's free to join.