So, here goes.

I've been working at an upscale strip club for about a month now as a barback/runner/bartender's assistant. At this point, I am starting to become a more familiar face with the regular guests, the work staff, and the dancers.

THE GOOD

As a new face, dancers introduce themselves to me when they're sitting around the bar or just feel like talking, as well as waitresses just telling me something interesting that just happened, how shitty her night is going, etc.

Because of routinely talking with dancers like I'm having coffee at Starbucks with them when she is just sitting there topless, I've improved my eye contact habits A TON. This has really helped with just talking to people in general. They're so much more receptive when they know you're focusing on them, and I think stronger connections can be formed.

Also, I've never been the biggest ladies man. I'm 5'6", which means some dancers tower over me in their 8" heels and can look funny, but it doesn't bother me and I just give no fucks since I've dealt with it my whole life. I do have pretty good looks going for me, fortunately. A co-worker calls me Nick Lachey (from 98 degree/Jessica Simpson fame), maybe because we share a first name, but, I've probably had around 25 or so people in the past 2 years tell me I look at Matt Damon (which is neat since he's been a favorite since Rounders), and I've been told Brad Pitt a couple of times. I guess I just have a similar jawline/facial structure/hair combo/athletic thing going...and maybe squinty eyes.

I've been working out 4-5x/week, getting enough sleep, and eating low-carb/keto for the past 4 months, mainly just focusing on myself, school, and work. My ex and I split in April after an 18 month relationship. I've dated, but obviously nothing has come of it. I've read Mark Manson's book Models, and I could relate to a ton of what was said in it. That said, I feel like I've been giving off an aura of much more confidence that I have in the past, especially with women.

THE ISSUE

A few of the waitresses seem like women I'd like to get to know better. My attraction isn't hurt by the fact that they wear sexy corsets with a thong and a skirt that probably cover's 3/4 to none of their ass, depending on the last time they pulled it down.

Earlier tonight, two new waitresses were talking to me comparing me to the other barback and agreed that I was the "hotter" bartender, right there 2 ft in front of me. I get called cute or handsome alot (not specifically, but more-so since starting work at the club), and am told I have a really nice smile, but never "hot". One of them later said "I'll see your fine ass on Monday" when I was leaving. My problem is expressing interesting without it seeming purely sexual because of what they're wearing. I feel like I am having trouble reciprocating interest through compliments and touch because I don't want it to be awkward working together.

Also, the club obviously has a party-like atmosphere, with loud bass-filled music, naked/half-naked women, and lots of booze. Waitresses and shot girls are flirting with customers, sitting on their laps, showing their boobs, and shaking their ass for tips and for (mostly) guys to buy more drinks constantly throughout the night. It really is a consistent hustle. Can the atmosphere just flat-out affect the openness and extensiveness of which girls flirt with you that much?

I guess the point is: What is a good way to playfully flirt back with compliments and touch and attempt to cautiously escalate when WORKING in a sexually-charged environment? I know I will have to step outside of my comfort zone at least a little. I also realized I have analyzed the fuck out of this situation, but I really like working there for now, make good money, and I love being around beautiful women all the time. Who wouldn't? 'Tis why I'm trying to minimize the small missteps and cover all the variables that that happen when openly flirting with women when at clubs or out anywhere...except if I bomb I actually have to come to work and see them again. I like coming to work now and I don't want that to change for as long as possible.

If you got this far, thanks for reading and I'm not sorry for the bowls I smoked while typing this.

TLDR; What is a good way to playfully flirt back with compliments and touch and attempt to cautiously escalate when WORKING in a sexually-charged environment? Get phone number, go on dates, fuck...or just fuck.