Summary: I'm breaking down alpha, beta, and sigma as the three fundamental traits a man can possess and use to attract and keep a woman and to succeed in his professional life. This isn't anything new, but rather the same principles put into a solidified framework, which I believe separates behaviors more distinctively.

Body: I thoroughly believe that RP has too much of an emphasis on alpha. This is overcompensation in response to society's infusion of beta principles. I believe there are three primary modes or traits that a man can implement to get what he wants from life. This is mostly just musings, but definitely applicable and interesting to think about.

Disclaimer: I might be using these terms slightly differently from how you're used to hearing them. This is my personal model for social dynamics.

Alpha: Social dominance. Largely used as a stand in for any desirable male traits, here I describe alpha as any trait that perpetuates social dominance.

Beta: Willingness to sacrifice. This term is often used as anything unattractive. However, I believe it is an integral part of attraction, as it establishes trust and reduces the threat you pose to any woman.

Sigma: Independence and mystery. This is rarely talked about, and with good reason. It is actually best used as a supplementary tool.

How this fits into social dynamics

A man who is entirely alpha, beta, or sigma does not exist, and he would have very little success with women long term. A completely alpha male (e.g. drug dealer, pimp) may have success with women short term, but very soon his plates will begin to feel threatened and/or unsafe and leave. A completely beta male (e.g. white knight) has no attractive power. If he is given sex, it is a traded good for something concrete, such as commitment or resources. A completely sigma male (e.g. anti-social genius) is mysterious and independent to the point of avoiding any and all human contact outside of his work. While I gave examples, finding pure alphas/betas/sigmas is actually impossible. Things like looks and access to resources naturally contribute to certain areas. For instance, good looks automatically give a man some small degree of social dominance. Any man's job and his investment in that job influences his degree of sigma traits.

Our ideal man is a mix of these three traits. For me personally, I would say 75% alpha, 20% beta, and 5% sigma. This is a socially dominant man who has enough beta traits to participate in a give and take (which is still skewed in his favor). He has enough mystery surrounding him to invoke intrigue and keep interest from a woman or from a group he is leading. A woman involved with this man will fuck his alpha side and embrace his beta side shortly after. When he is not around, she will long to break down his tough exterior, bringing his mysterious sigma side into play.

How to use this in your life

I find this system useful for breaking down behaviors individually, rather than trying to simply classify all things "good" as alpha and all things "bad" as beta. I found this very confusing at first, and I believe it leads to the overcompensation you often see in guys swallowing the red pill (i.e. transformation from nice guy (too much beta) to douche bag (too much alpha)). Being desirable and attractive depends on your ability to use and manipulate these traits. One girl may require more "alpha" or "beta" than another. In my experience, those who require the most "alpha" are those that exemplify AWALT most outwardly. Most require just a dash of sigma.

In a group dynamic, let out your alpha side. Lead the group, entertain them, and make decisions. If you're in a situation with an established hierarchy (business), know when to show your beta side so you can form alliances with higher status members rather than constantly clashing heads. In one-on-one situations with women, conquer her shit tests with your alpha side, but pass her comfort tests with your beta side. Always stay somewhat emotionally distant, drawing people into your frame to try to understand you better. Nothing intrigues a woman more than thinking she can unravel a man. Nothing bores her more than a man she has already unraveled. That is where sigma traits come in. Stay wound up, but dangle the loose string in her face.

Lessons Learned:

  • All social behaviors can be broken down as either alpha, beta, or sigma

  • The ideal man for most women is mostly alpha with some beta and a small amount of sigma traits

  • Sigma traits are vital for keeping the "romance" alive by continually adding an aura of mystery to your frame

  • Different girls require a different mix of alpha, beta, and sigma to be satisfied

  • Your perceived breakdown of alpha, beta, and sigma is also dependent on set factors such as looks, wealth, and employment

I'd like to build on this philosophy. I think it's useful for describing a lot of concepts with which we've been very "hand wavy." It's also a good way to avoid the overcompensation most new guys go through when dealing with the anger phase.

Edit: If I could redo this post, I would replace "sigma" with any other word. I tried to borrow from the archetypal sigma male by stripping him of his alpha qualities and calling the rest "sigma" qualities, but clearly that confused people. For clarification, sigma here does not refer to the conventional sigma, but to any behaviors which give off vibes of independence and mystery, usually by bucking typical social trends.