So, on the advice of one of my shipmates, I've started reading the "self-help" book called Feeling Good by David D. Burns.
It's helped me confront the negative messages that I send to myself both in general and whenever I'm around women.

My writing sucks. I'll post more later, when I can think more clearly.

>My writing sucks.
Stop that; there is no need to state that you're inferior to preempt judgment. The book will probably mention at some point that getting rid of negative thought patterns requires a total change in that department to be effective.

Sounds like alotta pop psyche to me. Won't get ya girls, but keep trying.

I'm reading a book called Intimate Connections by the same author. I'm not even halfway through, but it has the usual advice of learn to love yourself, participate in many social activities, think positively, and approach/flirt with strangers. I think these books offer legitimate help for people who may be in a temporary rut but have been in relationships before. For example, many of the success stories presented in the book concern divorced people or young women. For older male virgins, however, when there is clearly a major underlying issue, these books are probably pretty limited in their effectiveness IMO.

This kind of Oprah feelgood crap is for Wimmins and not for males of ANY age.
It will not confer the attributes of the dark triad or make you look hawt from across the room