Based on what I've learned from the PUA and seduction community, looks matter. To what degree - that'll vary based on a variety of factors. And on top that, how I view my own looks matters even more.

But let's say I've worked on myself over the years, go to the gym, take care of my health, skin, hair, fashion, etc., and I continue to improve or make adjustments in that area (because no one is perfect), and I'm feeling better about myself... but I'm still not able to attract the girls I want - how do I reach acceptance or come to terms with the fact that I seemingly can't attract the type of women I want whether it is because of height, upper limit on looks, race, etc. Do I need to lower my standards, get a reality check that I might not be able to be attracting the 9s 10s, in my eyes? What I base this off of is successfully engaging / flirting / closing these types of girls (or lack there of) compared to other friends with less game.

"Looks get you to the table. Social skills keep her there." Where I'm struggling is not getting to the table.

"Most girls aren't going to give you the opportunity to let you make them feel a certain way if they're not physically attracted to you. That's just a fact of life."

As I write this, I realize that even though I'm feeling better about myself, there is still some frustration over not knowing how to accept an outcome I don't have control over. But then I'm thinking do I really know where the looks vs game/social skills "line" exists? How much my frustration or insecurity (or old self with lack of confidence) is still there? I try to go into each interaction with good vibes, open mind, smile, etc. I'm hoping the frustration subsides over time as I continue to feel better about myself but it's present now and I think that's where I'm looking for help from this community.