Most men go through this. We start life sweet and innocent. We hold doors open for girls. We listen. We try to be great friends. We don't touch them unless they ask us to. And we become permanently friendzoned.

Most of us start observing what the successful guys do. Almost the exactly opposite. They ignore women. They touch them without consent when going in for a kiss or hug or affection. They tease them and call them names. It works.

Then we get into a long term relationship and realise that the skills which worked to attract women don't work so well in a relationship. Now we need new skills. Communication. Resilience. Diplomacy. Compromise. Grit. Understanding. Often this is where relationships end, but many of us learn and adapt and grow again.

I have come to understand that most of what shaped me is the needs and demands of the women I have been seeing. I didn't make these changes because I wanted to make them. I did them out of necessity. I wanted a relationship and a family, so I did what I needed to do. I'm not sure what it's like from the women's side. It seems easier.

The women you're going to attract with that method are also likely to be jerks.

People don't explain what they mean by "You're too nice". They mean "be more assertive". That means stand up for yourself and others. Not "be an asshole". The attention you would get from being an asshole isn't what you think it is.

i've also been told this. i would much rather be nice and single than in a relationship hinging on me not being nice.

also fake and gay

Have to wonder what 'acting like a jerk' even means in this context.

Typing into the void, yay!

If the story here is told in earnest, I can think of two possible solutions.

First, perhaps the "being a jerk" thing might be conflated with some other change, such as simply being more assertive or socially confident in general. See if you can be confident and assertive without the "jerk". Think aggressively supportive or unflinchingly complimentary ("Hey, you're looking really nice, and I hope you have a nice day!" Or "I noticed you've been working on X really hard, and the progress is showing!").

Second, use your newfound social connections to your advantage! Talk with the girls about how you've been feeling, and then ask them if they would be able to introduce you to one of their friends that might enjoy the version of you that feels like you.

Both of these paths will take courage! It's tough to be vulnerable when you're already accustomed to social disappointment. But if you can get this far, go a little further and you just might find some real and profound happiness for yourself.

Live life for yourself, not others. This will attract like people