The females are slowly taking over.

I'm 26, and a confirmed 7. I live in a progressive area populated completely by gay and asexual men.

At least, I think I do...

I've heard, "Just be nice! Too many women play hard to get!" That's bullcrap...

Every man I run into, regardless of hotness... fours with beards... fives.... other sevens.... acts as though he's something truly unique and special. A princess, gaze fixed upon the horizon. Of course, part of this is due to the fact that Hollywood owes every "nice guy" at least an HB8. Because they are special, and have a vision.

But these are the options. All I want to know is how to get first dates without getting a rep as "desperate" from jealous ladies. I'm trying to get the hang of knowing guys online. I've noticed that men want to settle-down mid- to late- thirties. When they do this, they go after 20-y.o. HB8s, and wait for this person to respond to their texts. For forever. I was recently rejected by a guy who was maybe a 6 who was about mid-thirties.

So, point of my post: I need girl game help!

In return, I'll try to bring something to the table. Don't kill me!!

Kill, no. But you'll likely get knocked around a bit. Don't worry, it's character building. That's how you get awesome. Just wait till you are a bit drunk and do an open only to get called an ugly skank or something in front of a bunch of people... glorious horrors await. Eventually you'll love it.

So what are your goals? Dates? Just remember "let's get a beer or something". Done. Maybe it is confidence or social skills you want to work on? As a girl, quantity is a virtual guaranty. Shoot for quality.

Are you shy? Do you know how to get a guy to know you want him?

Sounds like fun getting knocked-around.

So, I'm actually very eh nice. I'm looking to find the right guy... if not nice, honest. I understand if this a deal-breaker, sir, and if you no longer want to help me reach my goal: the goal of matrimonial bliss. I'm not as concerned with occupation, but more concerned about compatibility, intelligence, and attractiveness. I think the numbers game is the best method. The "greatest guys" you meet can be the biggest meanies.

My sensitive point is that I'm trying to break into a career, and want a solid reputation. I don't want social karma to get me later. I'm also live in kind of a small pond, and don't want to be given a hamster rep by haters. It feels like I'm playing minesweeper, and yeah, I'm new to making first moves.

If only everyone could approach women the way y'all do, and start the mating/courtship dance off like that. I fought the female first move thing tooth and nail, but I'm going to try it.

I don't think I'm very good at letting men know that I actually like them. I'm more subtextual than direct, but I think it freaks them out. I don't usually crush, but when I do, it's a fail.

Anyway, your advice has been really helpful so far! I thought it would be more difficult to ask a guy out. Good thoughts, good thoughts. I appreciate it.