I feel that I've come on a long way since my first post back in October (
wow-this-stuff-really-works-vt77581.html?highlight=). Learning tech is great, but there's so much more that I've learnt that's improved me, not just as a rAFC, but in life in general: I can now talk to nearly anyone and have something to say. That has boosted my confidence by incredible amounts.
Last night was the first time I've been back in that club since the night in the field report above. The first time I was in there, I was reading and memorising routines like crazy. I followed the MM outlines to the word. I did not feel like myself though.
Last night, I was not intending to game*, I was just having fun being able to talk to anyone; guys, girls, staff & older people (>15 years older than me).
As it was, I was dancing with friends and considering going home (just realised that I'd run out of cash) when I saw this HB in a 2 set who kept smiling at me. I realised that I ought to give it a go** and went for hooking the entire 2 set with my scarf. It's
that big (also useful for rescuing fairytale maidens from tall towers). I went for the whole set, not just my target. I then just had some fun. No routines, just old fashioned fun! [path selected: Natural. +2 fun, +1 Charisma, -1 luck].
Once I'd built comfort, I remembered previous mistakes, spoke into her ear (whilst using the claw [exp +3]) and told her that she should give me her number in case we get separated. She said that she couldn't remember her number. The old me would have taken that as a sign that she wasn't interested. The new me already had a backup plan. With the non-claw hand, I reached around and borrowed her phone to missed-call me [exp +12]. At this stage, my arms were completely wrapped around her. Because I understand body language better, I 'got' that her being comfortable with that was a good sign.
The obstacle then started saying that she'd finished her drink. I was preparing to tell her that I didn't buy girls drinks, but before I did she was asking to buy me a drink[exp +7]! I wandered back to dance with female friends (social proof). One 'gamer' in the group came over to say; 'sorry, I thought you had them there mate'. I think he may have sworn when I told him what happened!
Everyone danced for a while longer, some random guy came over and started dancing with my obstacle (how's that for luck?). I kept eye contact & smiles & kino-ed with my target.[exp +1]
Next step was to get her away from the dance floor so I told her that 'she was cute enough to be my girlfriend, but she'd have to pass some personality tests too', took her by the hand and lead her to a quiet bit [exp +4]. We chatted for a bit. At one point, I saw a child as the background on her phone. She told me it was her child. It was for moments like this that I started reading PUA material: in the old me, my brain, mouth and eyes would have bolted like chickens discovering a fox; several days later, I'd regain composure. The new me kept cool and told her that she reminded me of my niece***. [Exp +10]
When we went back to the dance floor, the target and obstacle heard 'their' song so started doing some pre-prepared dance together. I leant back against the wall and looked like a tool. [exp -5]
I've never figured out how to deal with this. Ideas?
After that, I started really kino-ing/grinding the target. She responded well. [exp +2]
Eventually, the dance floor was beginning to empty and the 2 set was getting tired. We all went and found a couch to collapse on. I sat between them (how did I miss this important stuff when an AFC?). They then facebook closed me! I ran the gambler routine of chatting to the obstacle (thus turning away from the target) while stroking the target.[exp +5] edit - thinking about it, the obstacle was doing Gambler's trick - listing all the things in the future that the target and I are going to do together. Thanks obstacle!
Before they left, I tried to run the 3 photo routine, but it failed when she refused to kiss me (because her friend was standing above us?)
[end of game. Continue? 9...8...7...6...5...*inserts 50p*].
I stand up, turn my back to target, and kiss obstacle on the cheek. Target stands up, and kisses me.[exp +50]
[level up]
[Confidence +2]
[Short swords +1 (you never know)]
So essentially, my gaming style is a mix of everything, including, unfortunately, AFC. I'm now running far less canned material than I used to so it now feels like it's me and because of that, I'm enjoying it more. The only time I do still rely on canned material is when I'm not confident that I can transition off the back of natural game.
*although some might say that my long white scarf of hooking draped around my shoulder said otherwise!
** I was out with a big (>20) group of friends of friends. It turned out that all the guys had read The Game, and practised it to varying degrees. As I'd been talking like I knew something and quoted the 75% practice, 25% research breakdown, I would have felt like a tool if I didn't so something.
*** ALWAYS know a young girl in case you need to name drop. Niece/ cousin/ younger sister/ daughter of a friend.
PS. sorry for the geeky-ness - thought stealing Scott Pilgrim vs. the world joke would make a long report a little less dull.
CHAT