Friday's here, so what better time to make excuses about being tired and not wanting to go out. After poking a round on seddit a bit, I decided to man the fuck up, drink some Red Bull and go out. I've been watching RSD and reading a lot lately and have found it difficult to get into state and beyond AA. I've also been ignoring the #1 tid bit of advice: GO OUT AND PICK PEOPLE UP.

Anyways, I get off my ass and head out. First bar is weak, pretty empty, loud music. I don't open anybody. My excuses were the people weren't attractive. Rookie move. We head to another bar, this time I remind my buddy, "Open. Everybody."

We arrive at the next bar, packed full of people. I grab a drink. I open a mixed set, starting with the guy. We chat, I find out he works at a local tech company, I tell him where I work. He thinks I'm the shit. We talk more, I introduce myself to his friends. I get every woman's name, I shake each of their hands. When I shake the target's hand, I hold on longer, and she continues to hold my hand. Fucking genius. We talk more, they're getting boring, I tell them it was great meeting them and move on.

Next, I open a set of two guys. They're just chilling, playing beer pong. We talk a bit, then I bounce. I'm feeling good, and my state is good.

I approach a set of 3 women, HB7,6,5. I say "Hi, you three look like you're having a blast." They're texting. They say hi, and we exchange looks. I call them out on texting at a bar. We talk for 10 minutes or so. They're laughing and having fun. I find they're all married. I say my goodbyes, then I bounce.

Time for a drink. I head to the bar. A 2 set, HB8 and HB4 squeeze in next to me, I don't move. The guy next to them says something snarky. AFC. I look at the HB4, and say "Hi. Standing room only apparently." We talk, they laugh, HB4 wants my shit, I'm not paying attention to the HB8 and she doesn't like it. I then make myself scarce and return to my friends. I see the girls again, and wave them over. Some douchey guys are hitting on them. I put my hand on HB8s waist, and move her away. We get to know each other, I place my hand on her lower waist, shoulder, hips. I move it away. My two friends appear, and run inter fence with the HB4. Closing time. HB8 says she's leaving for the bathroom, and it was nice meeting me. I tell her she was intriguing, and I'd like to get to know her better over coffee. She smiles. I ask her how we can make this happen. She asks for my phone, creates a contact. We say our goodbyes.

I get home 30 minutes later, send her a quick text. She responds. We'll see what happens.

I had fun, talking to people is fun. Of all the sets I opened, most of them told me what a fun person I was to be around. Using some basic building blocks, I was able to # close somebody I would never have done before. Am I growing? Yes. Do I have a lot to learn? Hell yes. Things I need to work on: Open everybody. Get in state faster. BETTER AND MORE KINO.

tl;dr…don't make excuses, go out, say hi…people will respond well. I'm beginning to appreciate the motto, "Fail. Faster."