The 'food-or-fornication' response

Yo mate,

When I first started learning about dating and approaching women, I remember carrying a printed copy of Mystery’s 13-step process with me everywhere.

I’d sit in a cab or on the subway on my way to a venue, nervously reading over it, trying to memorize every step.

I was shaking, terrified of what was ahead.

At that time, I wished I could be doing anything else rather than putting myself in such a scary situation.

And honestly, that fear made sense.

Approach anxiety isn’t just a random feeling.

It comes from deep within our evolutionary past.

Back when humans lived in small tribes of 20-30 people, there weren’t many women to choose from—maybe two or three.

If you got rejected, everyone would find out, and you’d be seen as low-status.

That could ruin your chances of ever finding a partner.

Even worse, if you accidentally flirted with someone’s partner, her mate might physically attack or even kill you.

Although we don’t live in those times anymore, our brains are still wired with this ancient survival instinct.

This outdated system is why your heart races, your palms sweat, and you feel like running away when you think about approaching an attractive woman.

But here’s the good news:

You Can Overcome This Response

What most people don’t realize is that your brain and body have another system that can override this fight-or-flight response.

Let me explain:

When you’re feeling fear or anxiety, your Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is active.

This system is what triggers fight-or-flight mode.

But there’s another system called the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS).

Think of these two systems as opposites.

The SNS kicks in when you feel like a prey animal—threatened and in danger.

The PNS, on the other hand, is activated when you feel calm, confident, and in control—like a hunter going after what they want.

This system is triggered by two primal needs: food and fornication (sex).

When you see your favorite meal or an incredibly attractive woman, that pull of desire? That’s your PNS lighting up.

What’s interesting is that while both systems can be active at the same time, only one can dominate.

Which System Will Dominate For You?

Next time you’re about to approach a woman, think about this:

Are you letting your SNS (fear and anxiety) take over?

Or are you tapping into your PNS (calm, focused confidence)?

Here’s a quick trick I recommend: Make a list of your skills, accomplishments, and qualities you’re proud of. Review them before you approach anyone.

Why?

Because reminding yourself of your worth puts you in the mindset of a confident hunter, not a nervous prey animal.

When you feel like the strongest person in the room, your PNS activates.

This calms you down, opens your mind, and allows you to speak naturally—just like you would with a close friend or family member.

Fear, on the other hand, shuts this process down.

It keeps you stuck in fight-or-flight mode, unable to relax or be yourself.

So, if you’re ready to start approaching attractive women… it’s time to make sure your PNS is running the show.

In my Guide “Master the Art of Approaching” I teach you systems to ensure you get rid of approach anxiety and the confidence to approach 9s & 10s with ease.

GET IT HERE

Best,

-MOS