As a dude do not play hard to get. Wrong move. Ask someone on a date. Be straight forward with your intentions. If they say they’re not interested withdraw and focus your attention elsewhere.
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Also if everyone you’re approaching is shooting you down. You might need to take a hard look in the mirror and see if there is anything you can do personally to attract the type of partner you want. You might also have to be like damnit I need to start approaching potential partners on my level.