The most commonly utilised term here to describe a man who is at the peak of self-mastery is "alpha". In TRP terms, the alpha is the man who gets first pick in the sexual market place, dominates his interactions, and lives a life of little to no compromise.

There is, however, the sigma alternative alpha--to wit, a man who displays many of the over-arching characteristics of an alpha, but who also plays the game of life and sex in a significantly different manner from the alpha. This post outlines the various dimensions to being sigma, and what it means for you.

What Is Sigma

First off, it's crucial to know what sigma isn't.

Sigma is not being a reclusive loner who brings little to no value in the social interactions he is in. It is not being tolerated by various groups of people because they are simply too polite to tell you off. There is often an attempt to salvage pride on the part of socially awkward omega by rationalising their lack of friends and social acceptance as simply a result of them being above it all, when in fact the reality is that their solitude is imposed by the natural weeding-out of social dynamics. A good way to find out whether or not you truly are sigma or simply a lonely omega is to ask yourself if your solitude is a matter of choice; and, more importantly, what do you spend your time alone doing? If the majority of your activities are simply substitutes for social interaction and human bonding(e.g. video games, social media) then, more likely than not, you are omega.

Neither is the sigma MGTOW, although many who choose the latter path start out as sigma, but simply end up embracing the more anti-social aspects of their personality. This is a personal distinction, really, so long as, again, the choice is not imposed by social dynamics pushing you out because of your own ineptitude.

Having clarified that, defining the sigma is a slightly more nebulous. The core tenet of being sigma is your preference for your own company in an overwhelming sense. This is because, at his core, the sigma is an alpha, but simply one who has more or less checked out. The key differences between a sigma and conventional alpha are:

  • The sigma is not tied down to one particular social grouping. Whilst he is likely to have a main set of friends, he is also very footloose. This means he comes and goes more or less on his own terms.

*The sigma is rarely ever the center of attention. When he has contributions to make to the conversation, he gives them. However, more often than not, to maintain his value--and differentiate from the beta--the sigma's contributions shift the conversation onto a new path. Because of his value, he can do this without being viewed as trying to usurp the alpha, or being socially awkward.

  • A sigma's independence means has a dual aspect with regards to relating to the rest of the group. He may prosper from the group, but he rarely goes down with the ship. In situations where the alpha must step up in order to maintain his position--such as physical confrontation-- the sigma is generally under no obligation to do so, and his status does not suffer for it. This is, however. potentially precarious, as there may be situations where a lack of intervention may be regarded in a negative tone. In my experience, the best line to toe in times of confrontation is that of belligerent negotiator. The sigma steps in and brokers peace between both parties from the position of neutral strength.

Relations With The Alpha

As with every level of interaction, where you stand in the social hierarchy of the various groups you interact with is largely determined by how the alpha perceives you. Groups take their cues from the leaders, and this is no exception.

The most important thing you need to do with the alpha is to establish yourself as an equal. The granular aspects of this will differ of course, but a basic guideline is to study what his strengths are, and display greatest acuity in whatever his shortcomings are. This allows you to be on equal footing with him without knocking him off his perch, and this, along with the fact that you are simply not a constant part of the interactions, allows you to maintain your position.

As with being an alpha, it is simply not always possible to be a sigma in every single situation. At times you might simply encounter an alpha who is too similar to you to allow for you to significantly display your differentiating traits. In these cases, it is better to simply go with the flow.

In adapting to the situation with the alpha, it is crucial that you never lose track of what makes you unique and outstanding--doing this will simply result in you being labelled a beta or, more likely, an omega. Like water, you take the shape of your container, but you never stop being H2O.

Potential Pitfalls Of Being Sigma

There are a few potential dangers here:

*Being seen as socially awkward loner

*Becoming a socially awkward loner

*Dialling up the alpha to excess and upsetting the group dynamic.

*Being unable to get out of your head and simply enjoy the interaction for what it is.

In all of this, always employ a sigma's greatest strength: stoic adaptability.

Who Can Be Sigma

The primary purpose of this sub is to elevate the beta male into being alpha, and whilst that is certainly laudable, it is necessary to note that, quite simply, the transition means different things to different people, and not people's experiences are ever the same.

On the whole, I'd say it is easier for an omega to mould himself into being a sigma that it is for him to become a straightforward alpha. By following the advice touted here on self-improvement, the omega can gradually re-shape the worst parts of his social position to convey a degree of value, one that is anchored by mystery, aloofness, and self-sustenance.

This is a basic guideline to what being sigma entails. As with all the advice here, none of this is hard. The principles are malleable, and with a nuanced and idiosyncratic approach, you can begin to have social interactions and live a life on your terms.