I've read a decent amount of people on this sub saying that 'game' or 'sexual strategy' or whatever work different in adult life from how it does in high school? I'm not technically in high school because UK but it's the same difference (17 turning 18, 6th form college). I recently started going to the gym mainly because I just need to be stronger but also build confidence.

I mean things like, you can't just go to clubs to pick up anyone, 1. Because I'm legally not allowed, and 2. I'm way young for any girl/woman who'd be at a club, even if I was 18 (imo). I heard that you're better off playing the relationship game at this age (getting close with someone/speaking to them for a while first). I mean, from my experience this is the only way I've gotten any action, albeit minimal. I take it unless I am some next gigachad alpha, this is how it will be. However I know the odd guy who'll speak to a girl on snap for a week, probably less, and he's already in there, or at least getting nudes.

So is it that different in high school? If so, how? I honestly feel pretty clueless with flirting, I'm either too blunt or not saying anything, the less I say the better. Like, on a good day, I feel like I can do OK, be suggestive and such, but other days I feel like a fucking spaz. This summer, I was approached by a girl who was clearly flirting with me, we spoke etc. but idk I feel like as soon as I start talking I get boring. (For the record, I'm like 6' and skinnyfat/slightly toned, with a toned jaw. Basically I'm not bad.) We probably could have hit it off and we did message for a bit but tbh I wasn't really feeling it anyway, she was annoying af and not that great looking either.

Maybe I just can't flirt and I'm frustrated by it. I feel like school is a weird social minefield, where everyone knows everyone, or at least someone else who does.