I recently discovered this sub, and really feel like I took the "red pill." It all aligns with my previous worldview, but yet opened my eyes via how the sub codifies the world / adds a lot of structure.

I'm a Markets guy, meaning I whole heartedly believe in the application of supply / demand and value dynamics to the dating world.

Here's my big question: is TRUE Alpha something that can be taught, or does it just exist as talent?

Much of what's discussed on this sub is about mimicking Alpha qualities. No doubt, the majority of men will find themselves better off by doing so.

Here's my long-winded theory: Cutting through all the bullshit, real Alphas are likely a very small percent of men (let's call it no greater than 2.5% of the population - which statistically is the upper end of 2 standard deviations on a normal bell curve).

These men in my opinion have 1 simple defining characteristic: multitudes of high value women seek THEM out.

That's it. Markets determine true value - if women seek these men out, then they are the true Alphas. Everything else is just mimicking.

I've known a few guys like this, and I've read some posts on this sub about guys who are like this.

Likely their characteristics include: Height (prerequisite) Other Looks (including build, face, etc.) Confidence / dominant personality Means (money, etc. - a relative measure based on proximity to other wealth)

If I use myself as a proxy for this framework - I am not an Alpha. I have many overlapping characteristics, I can mimic well, but I FAIL that one and only true test.

The following is no humble-brag, it's to give an example of my theory. I am likely perceived by some as an Alpha, in that I am better than average looking (naturally, but also including being in shape), generally personable, smart, and make a lot of money with accumulated capital. For what it's worth, my girlfriend is quite the catch - mimicking really is valuable.

BUT NO MATTER WHAT, I know multitudes of high value women are NOT NATURALLY drawn to me.

The Alphas I know or have read about have women approaching them in public, at bars, online/apps etc. One guy I read about has Tinder matches flooding his inbox. (Didn't happen to me when it was new and a fun hot-or-not game my friends and I played). Another guy says women, including some married, often approach him and / or have propositioned him. I know in real life guys who literally have rotations of women they sleep with, with little effort to get them there.

There is a stark difference between the lives lived by myself and these true Alphas.

Personally, I attribute this to my height (5'7.5", though most think I'm taller than the 5'8" I sometimes admit). But for other guys, it can be any of the other characteristics.

As the dating world continues to move towards increases hypergamy and female sexual liberation, I believe the concentration of female sex partners will further consolidate towards real Alphas, not unlike what can be seen in the animal kingdom (primates, lions, etc.).

TL;DR: You can't become an Alpha, only mimic them. Alphas are who they are by default, and measured SOLELY by if many high-value women naturally seek them out.

Really interested to hear other people's thoughts...