When I am out and about solo, especially day game I don't have much problem approaching and building some solid attraction (I am still learning to close effectively, but that's another topic, one step at a time). If I am out shopping, I grab a cute sales associate, ask her a question, and start a conversation. If I'm at Freebirds, I get the cute punk chick rolling my burrito to talk with me a couple minutes longer than necessary. Yadayadayada. Not exactly hard mode, but I'm getting there. Here's the problem. I hang out fairly often with a circle of great buddies, some of whom I've known since since 4th grade (I'm 26 now). I love hanging out with each one individually or in a 3 or 4 person group. But when the big group gets together (10-ish people), all they do is talk nerd stuff (League of Legends, Penny Arcade, World of Warcraft, D&D, etc.) While some of that stuff I have been into in the past, and I like it, I just don't do it anymore mostly because I choose not to devote the time to it. I don't mind that they talk about it, but because I don't have much to say, it's very hard to feel or look alpha in that group, because social value in that group is not determined by being the best conversationalist, in the best shape, being able to attract women, etc. I am also the ass-end of a billion jokes (most dealing with questioning my sexual orientation), which I think stems from me taking care of my body and appearance (which is somehow seen as trying too hard with this set).
Everything totaled together really offsets my game when I am with my buddies and there are attractive women around. Because I don't feel I fit in with this male group, it's very hard for me to maintain alpha state, and usually I just end up listening and nursing a beer. What do, seddit?