It's frustrating, because all the advice in the world is superseded by just manning up and not being a bitch. Despite this, my continued attempts to "man up" are not resulting in me doing any approach-ifying. Doing the same thing and expecting something different being insanity, I decided to post here.

Facts:

  1. I have much less approach anxiety when I am in a group.
  2. Alcohol lessens my approach anxiety.
  3. 20 HOURS?!?! DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING OF VALUE?! yes.

Inferences from the above facts:

(1) is likely mostly explained by me being in state. A 9-5 job followed by a 40-minute subway ride to downtown seems not to be conducive to me being in state. State is a crutch, I agree, but I figure I need some training wheels...?

I could try listening to stand-up comedy or podcasts on the way down to get more into state. Warm-up conversations with people on the train? I sort of try that.

(2) Maybe I should just take a few shots before going downtown?

Meh. I know these approach anxiety threads crop up a lot, but... behavioralist suggestions are appreciated. I have to get this lug of a human that I'm inhabiting to do what I want it to do.

I was looking at checking out Rules of the Game by Neil Strauss, but that would make me feel like another peon who is over-reading instead of getting out and practicing. Meh.

Advices?