I've recently moved to a new city, new country for an exchange year. Because I'm not going to be here long, I don't want anything long term, just a bit of fun. Back home, I've had a couple of LTRs, but haven't done much casual dating.

I think I can talk and socialise OK, I have no problem interacting with females at uni and most other situations, but I think I come off as pretty serious. I'm doing a Masters degree, and have pretty broad interests. I really like having intelligent conversations, not just smalltalking and teasing. I read Models by Mark Manson, and liked a lot of what he said (more than most of the PUA stuff). My problem is that some of it seems more aimed at getting a LTR.

I've met a few girls through new-to-town meetups and student events, and generally went well. We had great conversations, which they seemed really into, but... ultimately nothing but new friends (also cool, of course). I think I find it hard to shift from making that first emotional connection to getting the sexual interest happening. How can I reprogram the way I interact with girls so that I'm still 'being me' but don't get friendzoned?