Hey. I'm a guy who's somewhere around average physically, pretty strong intellectually, but barely above omega in terms of personality, or at least confidence, due ultimately to an unstable upbringing. (my parents divorced when I was young, and used me as a barometer for who 'won' rather than actually raise me). Oh, also I'm poor as hell. I do however have a couple things working in my favor. A) I'm aware of my problems and willing to work on them, and B) I'm only 20, so I have some time to do so. I also happen to be bi, but I'm trying to minimize that as much as possible.

As far as my current station in life. I'm not financially independent yet, but I am maintaining two jobs and working quickly to get there. I expect to be on my own by the end of summer, albeit in a low income station. I've been working on my mental state for the last couple years. I used to be pretty much incapable of talking to people without making myself look childish, these days I'm mostly just a dysthymic geek who can at least minimize the less attractive facets. I can manage to talk to people short term, but I don't really have alot of experience beyond that.

So, of course, the million-dollar-question is what exactly I'm looking for. Given the advent of birth control, I don't give much of a shit about a woman's 'body count' because I don't see it as entirely realistic for me to do so. Other than that, I'm obviously looking for someone compatible with me in a general sense. Since my strengths are almost entirely intellectual, I value beliefs and intellect in turn. I'm an atheist, but I don't really care what other people believe so long as they're not trying to force it (directly or by proxy). I'd like someone who can think for themselves, but respect that in someone else as well (provided they're not an ass). As far as physicality goes, because of course that factors in for a guy, I'm aiming for average. I obviously want to avoid a goldigging whale, but I'm not gonna lose sleep over them not being a supermodel. Personality-wise, it really only makes sense for me to go after someone who's a bit of a dork themselves. Increasing the odds of a shared interest, and reducing that of mine holding me back.

My ultimate goal here is this. Given all this information, what sort of person should I be aiming to be as I work myself into the game? If any clarification is needed, let me know. (I realize this may not be the best sub for this, but I'm not aware of any more fitting. If there is, please let me know. In the meantime, I expect this should at least lead to some interesting discussion regardless)