Funnily enough, my shy mate seems to have more luck with the ladies than I, and I'm in healthier shape, more confident, (although he's confident in ways I admire and his blasé attitude is a win with women, I think xD Sometimes I can be too negative and cynical) more outgoing, and a lot more vocal and expressive... but my mental health problems are far more prominent and restrict me more than with him. For example, he can go off to places on the train when he likes, can go see bands whenever he pleases, stuff which is a nightmare for me—I can do things, but not so 'easily' or often.

Personally, I'm finding shyness isn't holding me back (or at least, when I was shy) rather the mental health IS, hands down. Insecurities, fears, anxiety, OCD, etc. Hell, just straight-up having a lack of faith in a relationship and stuff is holding me back, but I guess that's a different subject altogether. ¬_¬

Interesting. Any theories as to why women often like shy men?

The whole alpha male thing is something I've shunned for a long time, but recently came to the ultimate conclusion (albeit my opinion) that it still exists and there's nothing we can really do about it, short of waiting for several bazillion years for us to evolve past it. Honestly, I think it's GOOD. Yep, you read that right. xD The reason? Because it gives people the strength and sometimes social authority to step up where others can't. Perhaps, in a funny sort of way, it's the whole 'alpha' thing that is the reason for my having support from the government and live in supported housing. I'm sure there's a similar thingy for women, too. (although I imagine that's mainly based on looks; sexual attractiveness in order to reproduce and create offspring... to look at it logically. hah)

I'd always thought of myself as a beta, or whatever you call a non-alpha, but had an event recently that made me realise I was raised an alpha and, even despite my problems that make me sometimes seem a beta, I'm just undeniably like my dad, and he's about as alpha as you can get. (in a non arsehole sort of way lol)

I think I should add that I feel there are two types of alphas: rude, disrespectful, generally unpleasant alphas (so basically, the regular kind of unpleasant people, regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity) and then there's just the alpha males. I'm quite curious to know how people here see alpha males.. like... how would you, personally, define an alpha?

Sorry, one more bit as a follow up from why I think it's good to have this alpha and beta thing: I live with a beta, clearly. Most likely due to his problems, but for whatever reason, he's not that vocal, and seems to look to me when there's an issue with, say, the neighbours. Sure, I struggle as well, but due to how I was raised (perhaps that's got quite a bit to do with it?) I'm sometimes able to speak up when he can't, same for my best bud, the guy I mentioned earlier on this post. To be fair, there'd be things I wouldn't be able to speak up about, and some other person might be able to step in where I can't... so perhaps we are all aphas to someone? IDK! hah