So here I am. I passed by "The Game" several times in the book store, finally got it, ran a google search on "Pick up artist forums" and ended up here. To start off, I'm going to answer each of the questions Chief listed in his "Welcome" topic.

>where you're located: Merced, CA
>your age: 23
>how you got into "the game:" Picked up the book and realized that I just might not be doomed.
>how long you've been studying and practicing pickup: I haven't started. This is day one.
>which pickup method(s) you like to use: N/A
>what your hobbies/passions are: Astronomy, physics, science
>what your goals are: To be able to talk to a girl confidently and avoid the awkward silences.
>and whatever back story you wish to share with us.

So, back story. I'll try and keep this as short as possible. I was a virgin until I was 18 because I was involved in a religion that forbade "fornication." Actually, that religion is just an excuse. The truth is, if I had the confidence to talk to a woman, I would have thrown the rules out the window. At 18 I lost my virginity to the woman I would later marry. At 19 we had a kid. At 22 we had another kid. A year later, I'm going through a divorce.

While we were together we broke up and I slept with another woman that I met offline. Since we've broken up (about a month ago) I've slept with one woman. That's it.

I have very little confidence with women, as I'm sure most of you have dealt with. I feel like my mind goes 100% blank when I am talking to a woman. The awkward silence ensues and I have nothing. Absolutely nothing is going on up in my head. This happens whenever I'm put on the spot. It's like my brain checks out under pressure.

When I was 19 I joined the Marine Corps because I needed to take care of my family. That helped my confidence a little by being constantly humiliated and broken down. Before the USMC I literally wasn't able to open my mouth. I was completely mute throughout Junior High/High School. Now I can carry on a conversation to some degree. I've improved 3,000%, but not enough.

So I'm here, hoping to learn from you guys. I'm going to poke around the forums and gain some knowledge. It's a pleasure to meet you all.