The other night, I went out with a newish group of friends. When entering a new group, I tend to hang back, understand the social dynamics at play, sparingly use my wit to build a presence and then finally, just be myself. The problem is that while going through this, I'm not particularly "alpha" or "beta." Just, very neutral.

Anyway, at the table at a restaurant, I grabbed the vase of water and filled up my glass and then filled up the glass of the girl sitting in front of me without being prompted. It seemed like an innocuous, courteous thing to do - a small gesture to distinguish myself at the table.

She says, "Oh McDoogleSnatch, you're such a nice guy!"

Not knowing exactly how to respond, but knowing this was a shit test, I answered, "What the hell did I ever do to you?" I did so in a manner trying to evoke wry humor. Unfortunately, it may have come off as just plain rude.

Others dudes at the table white knighted me, saying she was just trying to give me a compliment and I blew it way out of proportion. I held my ground, saying, "We all know where Nice Guys finish and I don't appreciate being labeled as such." But this further made the table awkward as now the guys were jumping on me, saying I sounded like a petty bitch.

Again, I dug my heals in knowing that retreat would be suicide. But, the whole exchange did not end well for me. Time will tell if my position won any favors with the ladies there, but my gut tells me it won't.

Be that as it may, I can chalk it up to a learning experience.

Anybody here have a solid retort the "You're a Nice Guy" shit test? I'd be happy to listen.