I've been lurking in these forums for some time now and used a few of the tactics that I've found successful results. I'm 23 years old, somewhat handsome and generally a good listener when it comes to women.

Despite these better qualities, I find that I'm often friend-zoned by women (I'm an AFC for sure). I am overweight (working on that currently), shy, which affects my openers with women and also causes me to freeze up when progressing with kino or any sort of physical intimacy.

I'll let you all know now that I'm very determined to break through these barriers and will use and act on any suggestions or advice given to me, so long as it is within reason. I look forward to being here gentleman!

Cheers,
Alfredo

The reason why you are always being friend-zoned is you have built to much comfort. Don't be afraid to escalate, girls are wired to accept kino if done properly. Try fixing your approach anxiety by greeting everyone you see at the mall, grocery or any other place where there are lots of people. keep in mind that the main reason why you are here is to improve yourself and keep that focus in you. Don't think of what to say next in a set or even talking to a woman, it will convey nervousness and neediness. Lastly, don't give up if someone flakes you or dumps you, just calibrate and promise to yourself that you wouldn't do the same mistake again.

With regards to being shy i used to have a lot off approach anxiety. The key to it is two things: firstly any set you don't open you are certain not to close. The second big thing i would say is take heed to the 3 second rule (approach a woman no later than 3 seconds after you make eye contact). To start with i was very daunted by this but it really really works, it leaves no time to panic about how to talk, you just act yourself. And as well as this it shows a massive confidence that sets you apart from almost everyone else she will have made eye contact with.

The last thing i'll say is the only way you can become more confident with women is to go out and talk to them. Once you've spoken to 50 women, not only will you be far more confident in talking to them, but you will also be naturally better at it. If you open a set and find yourself friendzoned, or the girl flakes or whatever, even if everything went well, analyse it. Look at what you did right and what you did wrong and make sure to react to that for the next set.

I definitely appreciate the advice guys! I'll keep the three second rule in mind and attempt to speak to as many women as I can the next time I go grocery shopping.

Do any of you have techniques or advice that helps control nervousness? Sometimes I let that get in the way when I'm opening and I start out pretty pitiful.

Nervousness is called AA we all get it at the start try not to put too much emphasis on the outcome there not rejecting you you just did something wrong try going out with the objective of getting blown out there's a little routine where you go up to a set and actually ask them to blow you out can be quite fun really do it with a smile though are you might come across a bit weird