The only way out is through. Start focusing on all of your uneventful nights out where no one bothered you. Those are the many. You also need to keep going out no matter what. If you give in to the fear you give it the ability to overtake you.
Discussion
The sun goes down too early now to be afraid of going out. You are right, it is one incident of many nights where nothing happened.
The world is changing. I'm not sure where you're at. But consider getting protection.
Being afraid/fearful is different than exercising adequate prevention.
Self defense training could be a fun way to meet someone at the same time. But a dog or bear mace also works 🤙
Stay safe out there 🫂