A Well-Kept Secret In A Man’s World
Men need romance. Look I said ‘it.’ Indeed, beneath the rugged charm and the predilection for sports stats, there exists a soul yearning for more than just a high five or a “score.”
I’ve observed even the most assertive pickup artists, despite years of having countless women slip through their sheets, ultimately feel as if they’ve never truly savored the joys of companionship.
As quoted in The Guardian, even the most esteemed pickup artist and author of ‘The Game,’ a veritable bible for single men, Neil Strauss confessed, “Without the experiences from that book, I wouldn’t be here, married.” Despite this, he admits to feeling a cringe-inducing fascination when reflecting on some of its content, suggesting it’s akin to a healthy form of embarrassment.
Men, often subtly, and at times not so subtly, have been trying to charm the ‘shallow’ crowd, all in an effort to meet their deep romantic needs. It’s as if they’re hunting for diamonds in a coal mine. Sure, they might look alike to the untrained eye, but one will leave a much larger hole in your pocket!
Perhaps love truly is a game of odds, requiring one to wade through the mire to discover the jewel that’s worth it all.
You’ll find them every weekend, donning their latest designer rockstar outfit, bathing in their ‘Magnetic Attraction’ cologne laced with human pheromones, promoted as an enticing upsell on various pickup artist websites priced at a modest $19.99. Miraculously, you can transform into an irresistible chick magnet with just one squirt.
And then of course, taking shiny cars for a spin around the city’s swankiest spots. They are out to master the formidable task: “Establishing Deep Connection with the Shallow Crowd.”
This strategy may seem successful from a distance. A casual observer might notice the playful banter, the flirtatious smiles, and the dramatic gestures. Suddenly, they’re sharing a meaningful moment under the stars… or at least, they’re clinking glasses under a dimly lit chandelier at a posh bar, which kind of gives the same vibe, doesn’t it?
However, it’s time for a wake-up call, gentlemen. Constantly seeking the approval of people who primarily judge you by your job title or the car you drive isn’t likely to quench your thirst for genuine romance. It’s akin to trying to quench your thirst with salty seawater — it might look tempting, but it’s far from satisfying.
Yes, you may have amusing anecdotes to share, like the time you ended up adopting a llama because you misunderstood your date’s love for woolly sweaters (don’t question it, it happened). But does it bring you the deeply romantic connection you yearn for? Hardly.
To fulfil your romantic yearnings, you might need to do more than just perform for an audience that cares more about your wallet than your heart. It could involve finding someone who values you not for your luxury wristwatch or your unusual choice in pets, but for your questionable taste in aftershave and your impressive knowledge of 80s movie trivia.
So, my brothers from a different mother, remember: true romance is like a harmonious symphony, it’s not about how shiny your instrument is, but how soulful the music you create together can be. And for the love of all things good, please stop looking for diamonds in a coal mine!
