I feel like I'm actually understanding/applying what I learned here. I am a regular to these singles meetups, mostly to improve my social skills and of course find a mate. Because of this, I meet other regulars and we chat like we knew each other for years. This help so much for social proof. I feel my energy level higher with each interaction. It brings out the real me.

Since it's early there's only a few of us around. I notice this Chinese woman (let's call her HB because why not), and immediately start asking what her story is. I find myself not able to break eye contact with her. We chat for a while and I notice her giving me IOIs, like smiling alot in my direction, asking me questions and flipping her hair. It gets better from here. Another woman comes in, starts competing for my attention. I keep them both engaged in my conversation which was about identifying ethnicity. I correctly guessed her as Chinese yet she mentioned she was often mistaken for looking Japanese. We chat about this for a while and a small group forms with me being the main speaker.

HB gets her food ordered and served and offers me some. I politely decline because I want to grab a beer. So I leave the group since the conversation has died down. On my way, I chat with people around me, leaving her for a good 30-45 minutes. As I'm chatting, I notice her positioning herself closer to me and catch her looking at me. When she comes into my group, I help introduce her to everyone and bring her into the discussion. Here it feels natural to apply touches. At this point, she's touching back, biggest IOI yet.

We would go back and forth with touches throughout the night. Simple and subtle like rubbing arms against each other while in the group to me putting my arm around her playfully emphasizing points. She would always smile. I would keep conversations going and we found out we think alike while also having very similar interests.

There were times that other guys would try to compete against me. I knew in my mind she wasn't going to let me slip away, so I engaged them as well in a friendly way. Eventually they wouldn't have much to say nor be as interesting so they would retreat.

At the end of the night, I offered to walk her to her car and took the opportunity to hand hold since I was leading her. She had no idea where she parked. She was super receptive on it. Along the way, she described how unique I was from everyone else. I confessed that I was drawn to her the minute I saw her, which was true.

She then offered to drive me to my car. Once she did, I went in for the good night kiss but decided for a few more kisses just to see if she desired it too, she did.

We already made plans for this weekend and I have a good feeling about this. I need to remember that not F-closing is ok, because she wasn't drunk and we just met.

I've learned: - Social proof is key and everyone is willing to be friendly to you with the right attitude, which is why Meetups are so powerful when done regularly - Not being attached to HB would bring her to me. I had doubts and wanted to go back but didn't get a chance to since I was busy talking. - Touches are powerful when applied naturally and not second-guessed or thinking about where to touch. - No risks/no reward. Being afraid to hand hold would have not made it easy to kiss. No kiss, most likely no date.

Next to learn: - How to F-close or go further than a goodnight kiss. This probably would be better for night game though.

This seems like "duh" kind of material here but it's eye opening for me. Looking back, I've remembered how often I've failed on awkward hand holding and kisses that I figured would never benefit me. Practice has helped so much. It's encouraging to see progress and makes me feel much more confident.