There are numerous Canadian men who lack social experiences in their lives and interaction skills. Furthermore, when it comes to interacting with women, they are unable to communicate effectively or find a mate.

In cities across the nation, men assemble in “lairs” to improve their social skills. The location of these lairs is secretive, containing exclusive entry to the underground community. On average, over 100 men sign up online and have face-to-face classes with 20-30 other men. An instructor will teach non-verbal communication skills to men who struggle in talking to women. Some of these instructors are known as pickup artists.
“The Artist,” who wishes to remain anonymous, has extensive experience and knowledge interacting with women and social communication. Ryan Jakovljevic is taking psychology and philosophy; his goal is relationship therapy and marriage counselling. Both men have attended and joined the underground community. This community has been featured on television shows such as The Pickup Artist and Keys 2 the VIP.
 “You don’t need a fancy identity to meet girls; you just need to be a good man,” says Jakovljevic. “A lot of these pickup companies make things way too complicated and manipulative.”
He joined Edmonton’s underground community after attending a seminar with a friend. “Ninety-nine per cent of guys I’ve met that call themselves Venusian (Pickup) Artists are insecure, egotistical and socially awkward.” Aside from social behaviour, these courses also teach storytelling and movements.
According to The Artist, these courses help men who do not have a male role model in their life, and who “don’t know how to relate to girls in a personal level.” He says these men are shy or have little experience talking to women.
“We’re actually doing a good public service,” The Artist explained. “Girls get confused because they are putting out signs and guys are not responding. The girls think it’s them when really, the guys can’t read their body language.”
While I wish there was a book of step-by-step instructions on how to meet and woo the person you want to be with, I have to admit that technological advances make it a lot harder to communicate. My advice is just to be true to yourself.
In next week’s column, The Artist gives his insight on man’s evolution of dating and Jakovljevic’s gives recommendations on a great dating coach for women. Plus, how do college students meet someone if they are not into the bar scene?