I prowl for girls on my own. This is not something to be done in packs, especially when you look like me: unassuming, nothing special, but the personality of a dynamo. You have to talk to me to see how sexy I am, and if I'm surrounded by guys who look better, I'll never get my chance to speak. I know what I have to do, and I'm here to tell you to do the same thing.
 
First, assess the physical. How do you match up to your buddies? If they are more likely to end up on the cover of GQ, go out without them. If you need the security of not walking into a club by yourself, go out with them, but prowl and leave without them. This may sound shady and, to some, weak, but it's practical. I'm telling you. Many women out there are pretty surface level. All you may need is some time alone to get them on your team, but you may not get that time if other more "traditionally" attractive guys are trying to recruit, themselves.
 
Second, assess the scene. You have to be realistic. Chances are, if you're not in the A-List of hotness you're not going to pick anyone up at the Victoria Secret Swimsuit Show after-party. Be smart about where you end up. The best place is middle-of-the-road: the chicks are out of your league, in your league, and a little below. This is where you score; make the best of it.
 
Lastly, and I can't say this enough, go it alone. Wingmen are overrated. I've even had wingmen who decided to become the main pilot in the middle of the mission. Go it alone. If you're a guy like me (plain, unassuming), the last thing you need is another guy to distract her. The other side of this coin is her friends. If at all possible, make sure she's alone when you approach. If you can't, get them all involved in your conversation; the one you want won't feel like a target and you can ease into giving her your undivided attention later in the night.
 
So there it is. Know your audience and you'll know what it means to score. Works for me.
 

To report corrections and clarifications, contact esmith@getonthecouch.com. For publication consideration send comments to media@getonthecouch.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification.