I (35M) am pretty much an average white dude. I am 5’11 so neither short nor tall, average to slightly above average looking (5-6/10). I am physically active and hit the gym regularly but I am not gifted with great genetics so my physique is pretty mediocre – not fat but not muscular either. I have a terminal degree and make a low six-figure salary in a HCOL area, so I can afford to live without roommates but I am not well-off in any respect. I have a decent circle of friends and a bunch of hobbies which I enjoy.

So I hope you get the picture, I am pretty much a middle-of-the-road guy. No major flaws but also nothing outstanding to write home about.

And to be honest, I never did great with women. But I feel that over the last few years, it became near impossible to date as an average dude. I feel that for better or worse, standards have been raised above our heads (sometimes literally). I’ve been on the apps, got my 1-2 matches a day but it never goes anywhere. And even IRL, I feel that I don’t make the cut anymore. And unlike other guys (e.g. those belonging to certain subcultures), I don’t think I have a specific niche.

What advice would you give someone like me? How can I stand out?