Today I did thumbwar TWICE! (Yes, two different sets, of course). I'm seeing a pattern where progression mostly depends on MY willingness to progress, and if I'm willing to just take that "risk." Because, of course, I could be blown out... but then again, if I don't progress, I'll get blown out anyways, right? Haha! God, I love this game! I really mean that. It's so fucking exciting.

Couple "theoretical" lessons from today:

-If I'm in the middle of a story/sentence and she asks a question, I've gotten MUCH better results by aknowledging that she asked the question, but making her wait until the end of MY sentence/story and going back and asking what she was saying. Guys, this is crucial! You let her interrupt, especially in the first few minutes... (I usually don't talk with them longer than 5 or so, but I got to at least 10 minutes today! )...then she knows that you value what she's saying more than what you're saying, which is a DLV. The goal is to DHV!

-When she's trying to qualify me with a question like, how old are you, etc. It seems to be working to just ask them first, and then tell them my age. Even for names I will usually do this... I think it's a good principle to have in your toolbox, instead of just trying to always have a funny answer and dodge the questions

-I'm getting excellent responses with, "Do you guys believe in Harry Potter?" This, in my mind, is a perfect opener.

-If they're not already asking about me after the first opener, I get great responses by just finding something simple to compliment them on (other than they're rack... even though I might try this sometime... Ok, maybe in a few more weeks, haha) and then ask a question about them. This way, it feels as if they deserve the extra attention. Meanwhile, what's happening is I'm still maintaining composure, keeping the conversation interesting and flowing, and thereby distinguishing myself from probably already 80% of most guys and generating some good, solid attraction.

-Busting on them is really simple! I've already known about this technique from years ago from David D (C&F), so I've got this down pretty well, and it seems natural when I do it. Basically, I just don't need to worry about it, and it comes.

Now. To identify some sticking points:

-Still getting used to using KINO. I used to hardly EVER use it (that's probably why I'm still a virgin --keep that a secret--. But I just need to practice this a TON. I've got to develop some good calibration on this. Basically, just use it at different points of the conversation... and maybe think of a couple more things than just thumb war. I lost a thumbwar today. That wasn't cool. At all... Then again, maybe it's good for my ego. My goal is for my ego to DIE!

-Still a little shaky with locking in, but improving. I locked in in three sets today, including my first, which was cool because usually my first is kind of the throw-away as I'm still more nervous. It's amazing how only 4 days of doing this is already helping me so much. Work on this.

-Last thing is that, I feel like I'm losing momentum sometimes, and don't know what to do about it, or why I get that feeling. I think it has to do with going in my head... and simple practice of being out of my head. I especially noticed this on my first set. I came in with a smile, great body language and stillness, but towards the end, I felt...aha! Maybe I was simply not escalating when I should have been. I know this will go away with practice.

Quick summary of sticking points:

-KINO
-Locking in (remember, must be done in under three minutes)
-Staying out of my head

Last thought is just to always remember to qualify. I did pretty well with this today. It's surprising how sometimes I just naturally do this junk, after reading about it and thinking about it and not even consciously thinking, ok, NOW I need to Qualify. Great stuff. I love my brain. Thank you, brain!

Peace out guys! And remember: Always go for it! Always! What do you have to lose other than your ego maybe taking a little hit, of which it is probably VERY deserving anyway?!?

I'm going to learn this game and become a master! I know I can do it. It won't be easy, but nothing worth gaining is. May God have mercy on my soul.