It's interesting that I always come here because I truly struggle with making friends.

I recently moved to a new city and joined a dance group. Since it is a "partner" dance, and I don't have a male partner, I started communicating with some of the guys in the group... simple, FRIENDLY banter and communication.

Well, some of the women in the group have already labeled me and decided to dislike me without getting to know me. Over the weekend, I was joking with one of the men in the class and made the comment that "I'm too pretty to pay for my own drinks." IT. WAS. A. JOKE!!!! Some of the women in the class overheard it and they think that I'm basically a stuck up flirt.

I have been told that some find my face attractive, and I work out a lot, so I do get UNSOLICITED attention sometimes. I've always tried to downplay the physical - mostly with comedy -- to try to make a good impression.

Obviously, it backfired. I REALLY was joking when I made that comment. In the past, I would have stopped attending dance class, but I really ENJOY the class.

I don't want to have to step on egg shells while there. I was thinking to just not talk as much (or joke), try to find more females to speak to and maybe wear baggier clothes and my glasses next class.

The only constant in this ongoing equation is ME. What am I doing wrong? I can't help the way I look, but I can manage my jokes and make modifications.