Noah Smith
· Noahpinion
· May 17, 2026 at 09:00
· ⏱ 35 min read
| Read on Substack ↗
Summary
Noah Smith argues that dating and romance are achievable for average men, contrary to incel ideology, and provides mindset advice on attractivity, proceptivity, and receptivity. The article contains no financial or market content, so it has zero implications for investing or trading.
•Smith cites data showing sexlessness rates are ~30% for young men and women, roughly equal, debunking the incel claim that only a few men get all women.
•He notes that most young people are monogamous, with only a small number having many partners, based on National Survey of Family Growth and General Social Survey data.
•Smith argues women want regular men primarily for companionship, good sex, and help raising kids, not just for hyper-attractive 'Chads'.
•He introduces Beach's three categories of sexual behavior: attractivity, proceptivity, and receptivity, emphasizing that proceptivity (actually wanting romance) is often neglected.
•Smith advises men to be explicit when asking for a date (using the word 'date') to remove ambiguity and avoid the friend zone.
•He warns against taking dating advice from internet gurus who exploit insecurity or from incel echo chambers that amplify despair.