The market has changed. Looks is paramount - I worked so hard to be financially stable and didn’t realize that it wasn’t my parents financial situation that had fucked me over so badly in life - it was their dogshit genetics that made me ugly.
The result is superficial but the confidence gains will be real and you'll feel better either way.
After that I would advise signing up to a rock climbing gym or something and getting out to meet girls in real life, in case your dating app profile still doesn't help by then.
I think most of all, let go of your hate towards yourself/your parents/your appearance. This kind of bitterness consumes you after a while and it will show in your personality.
A guy with a job and a gym membership is more attractive than 90% of men by default. Do you really have a "looks problem" that wouldn't be resolved in 12 months by actively working out, eating well, a good haircut and a great wardrobe?
A gym only takes you so far. There are things out of one's control - height, hair pattern, face shape, etc.
Although I do believe that you're right in the sense that not being overweight and having a stable job already places you in the top 10-15% of men. It's just that sometimes it's not enough and looks are pretty important for women (even though it's not often said out loud)
An obvious counter-point to that are the millions of short/bald/ugly/whatever guys who are married and have kids.
FWIW, women are turned off by guys who are gross and don't take care of themselves. A guy who intentionally makes the best of what he's got is already ahead.
It's a counterpoint only if you don't understand statistics at all.
Sure, there are millions of short/bald guys married to women. Out of billions.
I've already outlined a number of things that are not under one's control.
We don't have to keep going in circles. You're free to disagree.
I can think of, just off the top of my head, like 3+ guys I used to work with.
More like 6 if you include friends and my barber.
the "I need Looksmaxxing" my appearance is everything screams "I am an incel and can only date supermodels, who seem to reject me"
You're a real catch!
Am I lucky? I work in tech. I'd say about half of the women I talk to at bars in NYC end up turning away as soon as we shift to the discussion of what I do for work. I dress much better than most men but I am short, ugly, and not blessed with the high T that is required to gain lots of muscle mass even if I am in the gym obsessively.
Hate to break it to you but the market has changed.
> surprised that he only interacts with shallow hoes
Never, not once, had a random woman interested in my IT shit unless they're also in STEM themselves. "Boring IT guy shit" is the correct answer, and then change the subject. If they know anything about it or care, they'll ask.
You probably just boring. Change that.
You sound bitter. That’s an unattractive trait. Your emotions are genuine and shouldn’t be ignored, but you need to process them in a healthy way, let go, and move on.
A good therapist is priceless for this. Easier said than done, though. It took me 4 attempts over a few years to find the right one.