If you’re having a bad night, don’t beat yourself up. Especially if you’re an advanced student of the game. Even the best of us have rough nights that have nothing to do with our skill level. Remember, love is like an on-off switch, but not in the way you think. Behind the wall are wires connected to fuses connected to power lines going back to a power generator controlled by men and women with overpriced mortgages. It takes a lot of cooperation and innovation to make that light switch work.

Pickup is a lot like that. You might have worked away your approach anxiety, tightened up your verbals, your vocal tonality, your style and body language but still every girl you talk to shrugs you off with an amused “no thank you.” There’s often a lot going on in their lives that you can’t see.

Cold approach is probably one of the toughest ways to attract women. It’s best left for those with a rebellious streak who find joy in punishing themselves. Because of the pain involved, it tends to yield great reward. There are also those moments you strike gold that can leave you spoiled. Stay humble and it won’t hurt as much in your down times. With every low there will be a high.

It’s not all up to you

You’re fishing and this game is about catching the right fish, it’s not just the bait that matters. Sometimes the fish aren’t hungry. They’re too well fed perhaps?

When you’re out on a pickup rampage, remember to enjoy the process of meeting new people, sharing value and gathering reference memories. The quick lays with hot women will come. I promise. And if you’re used to success and are having a dry streak, you know there’s something else you should be working on. Don’t be a hamster tumbling in a wheel.