One of my biggest problems has always been getting into a good state - being the life of the party, the dynamic, fun guy. I just tend to have low energy, so this has been a challenge that I've begun addressing. The posts recently on ramp-up music was helpful and I now have a playlist that I pop on prior to going out and that seems to help. It made me think of another thing, though, that used to work for me and might help a few people out there - strip joints.

At this stage of my life I really don't visit strip joints very much, but in my younger days we'd usually pull a few guys together to go out to "the ballet" as we used to call it. Have a couple of drinks and enjoy looking at women embracing their sexuality. Afterward, though, we'd hit a regular club or bar and my state was out of this world. After being surrounded by naked and sexy women all night, all the clothed women just looked like strippers on break. Every single one of them looked, not like an unapproachable ideal, but a trashy, sexy girl wanting to hook up.

So, if you find yourself freezing up with AA when you go out, maybe spend an hour or so at a strip joint beforehand. You don't have to spend lots of money or get lap dances and stuff - just be in the sexually charged atmosphere for a little bit before heading out to the bars. See how it goes. I'd be interested to hear if it works for everyone or just me.