The best example I can think of in a movie is Wild Hogs.
The stereotypical "alpha" running the lifestyle biker gang, muscles and aggression, is beaten by the weekend bikers led by an accountant who just want somewhere with good WiFi to check email on their trip.
Don't fight for yourself. Be selfless not selfish.
I have known a lot of wannabe "alpha" types over the years. Social media profiles full of selfies with a different girl in every shot.
Who are the real alpha males to emulate?
Paul Newman. Actor, race car driver, but most importantly husband for 50+ years to one woman.
Bill Gates. Puts his family before his business.
Look at the character of the man, not the position he holds.
Donald Trump is not an alpha male but he has power and personality - and the moral character of vermin. Ultimately he will fall the way despots tend to - on a sword of his own making.
Look up Bill McDonald and 13 Codes online. He's a former Green Beret who knows what it really takes to be the "alpha".
Check out John Eldredge as well. He's a Christian writer who is a keen outdoorsman - hunting, fishing, climbing etc.
You can become an alpha male. Really, it's all an act. Basically pretend you don't have emotions, pretend you're not scared of anything, and pretend you know what you're doing even when you don't. Be confident. Work- out and look the part.
Sounds tiring to me. Putting on a mask to attract women. I should know. I have anxiety and depression. I hide both very, very well. I can hide fear when/if I need to. I can hide emotions when/if I need to. I can't get rid of them, because I'm not an actual sociopath, but I can hide them. I can act stoic, act like I don't care.
At the end of the day you'll just be acting. Anybody can do that, not an impressive achievement. The problems come when you can't break character. When you have to continue the facade. When you desperately want other people to see you as an alpha. When your life becomes consumed by it. I've lived that before. The boost of confidence you get wears off.
@Artemis_the_teenager confidence isn't a bad trait. Leadership isn't a bad trait either. Develop these two qualities and you'll basically be an "alpha male"
Looking at the comments below it seems women define alpha male as a guy with traits they personally find desirable. Basically alpha male= desirable male.
That's as good a definition as any, considering the scientist who originally came up with this theory was entirely wrong. By his definition a cult leader, televangelist, or CEO would be an alpha male- anybody who treats other people as their inferior. A narcissist basically. Our dear president is a good example. There isn't a single thing he won't share his opinion on regardless of how little he knows about it, he constantly insists on being front and center and he constantly acts like he knows what he's doing even when he doesn't have a clue.
Instead of worrying about meeting the "alpha male" criteria focus on your leadership skills, be confident, and be sure-footed.
I think it's a matter of nature. Some men (a minority) are just blessed and have received more testosterone in the womb than other men. So they're a natural alpha. The 'alpha' guys I know are more rational, pursue what they want and get it (whether it's a girl or a goal), don't give up, are confident, come across as kinda cold/emotionless, stubborn, they don't follow anyone and are usually either the popular guy or the lone wolf (usually the cynical or introvert ones prefer solitude), they demand respect and they take no shit. An alpha is due to his hormones more attractive than average and they're the most masculine. Those who aren't blessed can become a natural alpha by boosting their testosterone. Not by pills because that's artificial, but by training and specific food.
You're clearly ignorant. Go learn about the influence of hormones on behaviour and appearance or did I hit a sensitive nerve? Anyway, I don't like to waste my time.
Yeah testosterone is true. I didn’t bodybuilding for years and was blessed with high T. Unfortunately steroids lowered it and now I have to use artificial testosterone but it’s exactly the same results.
@gteen I'm no intellectual, but here's my understanding/opinion based on fact.
it's impossible to know whether a given male is a natural alpha or not just by looking at him because, as you said, men can become alphas by exercising and eating the right stuff...
So, attributing certain qualities to 'alphas' seems like wooly guesswork. The guys you're talking about could have been alphas from birth or could have become alphas.
So, what I'm getting at-how do you know the traits you mentioned have to do with extra T in the womb vs. Self conditioning and which are which.
Empathy, for instance, which ties into emotion. On a base level, you either have enough functioning grey matter to be empathetic or you do not. Studies show differences in the brain's response to disturbing images. True, more men are Sociopaths than are women, but the men that are not and do have empathy... Empathy comes with emotion. Sociopaths largely lack emotions.
@gteen but Sociopathy is largely due to social conditioning (, extreme poverty, abuse, trauma). So I guess I'm having trouble understanding how more testosterone=less emotional expression or less emotions.
If they don't express much emotion because that's how they were conditioned, they would seem more rational. If they weren't 'alphas' from a young age, determination to become stronger because they were being bullied would instill w them a sense of drive. But that need, to begin with may have to do w environment.
Attractiveness (as you define it) is a Large part exercise and training and proper nutrition. Masculinity... I don't know if science has come to a definitive conclusion.
In summary, how do you know the guys you call 'alpha' are representative of the effects of more testosterone in the womb vs. Less or normal and determination to become 'alpha.' Is there one single trait you can look at to determine? That cannot be changed by socialization.
@gteen traits, but if those traits can also be socialized how do you know more testosterone is responsible. I'm not a big believer in "gender is only a social construct" but I do believe you can socialize somebody to like certain things that don't fall in line w their gender, regardless of genetics.
As first you need to know what kind of role testosterone plays in the body. Testosterone stimulates bone, muscle, hair growth etc. The more a guy has, the more masculine he'll look like. Testosterone causes that chiseled jawline, broad shoulders and any other strong feature a guy has. Testosterone doesn't only affect the appearance, it also affects the mind and the personality of someone.
There have been a lot of studies done on testosterone and what they confirmed is that guys with a higher testosterone level than average are in their nature more masculine. The average man has a decent amount of testosterone and their estrogen is low but they do have small feminine features. High testosterone men have testosterone in higher amounts, their estrogen is extremely low and they are therefore very masculine. Low testosterone men are more leaning toward femininity than masculinity. Their appearances are also kinda feminine like. High testosterone men are considered to be the most attractive because they're the more masculine looking and that catches the attention of a straight woman. Just like how a high estrogen woman catches the attention of men.
Now, back to the mind. Testosterone influences aggression. It doesn't have to be necessary the bad kind of aggression as in using violence and rage but more like they're persistent, stubborn and they are hard working. It's proven that a lack of testosterone causes insecurity or even worse depression in men. Testosterone is basically the fuel men live on.
They're more rational because again that's what testosterone does. Testosterone causes a man to separate emotions and rationality very well, especially during hard times. A woman is due to her estrogen leaning on her emotions and that makes her the perfect nurturer. High testosterone men's estrogen is extremely low, so that means their rationality is absolutely overpowering.
I'm not saying they don't have emotions, they just don't deal with it like women do and they don't get it fast. They have the perfect traits to be a leader and that's explains why such guys are popular. Funny you mentioned sociopathy. There is a difference between psychopathy and sociopathy. A psychopath is born like that naturally and yes they tend to be more men having a high leader position in society and they are usually really attractive. What can we conclude? It might be the cause of high testosterone yes but there's more what caused a person to develop into a psychopath.
A sociopath could be basically anyone. Someone isn't born a sociopath, someone becomes a sociopath by traumas. E. g. a soldier seeing extremely horryfing things during his duty, it affects his empathy until it drops to zero. There are many differences between a psychopath and a sociopath though. It's absolutely not the same thing.
@gteen long response to my lengthy response. See if I can address each piece.
As first you need to know what kind of role testosterone plays in the body. Testosterone stimulates bone, muscle, hair growth etc.
To a point this is true, but the fundamental building blocks have to be in place. A guy still has to get enough nutrition. He still has to exercise in order to destroy and rebuild muscle fibers. Still needs calcium to build bone mass. To develop hair as well. A number of factors can impede development.
Personal example-I am underweight, do not have broad shoulders, and do not have a lot of muscle. I have other features correlated w high testosterone, I. E. Tall forehead and I used to be strong when I was younger, for my body anyways. Blood test showed very high T. Would not generally guess it looking at me. An ED screwed with my natural development. As can many, many factors
From what I know, high T develops it naturally during puberty. We're talking here about guys who were exposed to high T in the womb, not those who created it later. Tall forehead? That's more the work of estrogen than testosterone. A small forehead is the work of testosterone.
@gteen a lower testosterone male can work out and eat well and still gain a fair bit of muscle and bone growth. Maybe not hair, but a lot of men people deem "high testosterone" don't have hair anyways, partly because they shave. I think up to the very upper limits of musculature and development a given individual could fall into either camp.
Many women like "pretty boys." And I'm not sure where people like Tom holland would fall. Chiseled jawline, buff body + abs, higher pitched voice and small features.
Women like more masculine looking men-maybe. But a lot of these studies have selection bias, involving volunteers.
Men like more feminine looking women-maybe. But same issue arises. And a lot of these studies only measure attraction in terms of appearance. When other factors are taken into account, there may be other things at play. It may just so happen that men w more testosterone TEND to be larger but that's not why negotiators and directors are attracted to each other.
High T doesn't cause hair loss. High T stimulates hair growth.
""''It’s not the amount of testosterone or DHT that causes baldness; it’s the sensitivity of your hair follicles. That sensitivity is determined by genetics. The AR gene makes the receptor on hair follicles that interact with testosterone and DHT. If your receptors are particularly sensitive, they are more easily triggered by even small amounts of DHT, and hair loss occurs more easily as a result. Other genes may also play a part.
Age, stress, and other factors can influence whether you experience hair loss. But genes play a significant role, and men who have close male relatives with MPB have a much higher risk of developing MPB themselves.'""
@gteen which still begs the question how you can look at a group of men say "these are alpha males" and alpha males-I. E. Men born w High T possess these traits. This is where socialization comes in. As a guy, I've known men who were masculine who talked about their emotions and how they felt they could not express them. Is it that emotions aren't factoring into decisions as much or it appears that way since we are less emotional?
Men do need testosterone and men generally have higher testosterone. There aren't many men who, if you put them side by side with a woman, would not be able to build more muscle and tissue than women if they followed the same training.
I've also met men with deep voices but feminine features. I don't think it's black and white. And voices can be deepened by all sorts of things.
There are times when I've been suicidal and show no emotion. Emotions are in control I just don't show them.
I don't believe in the whole alpha beta gamma stuff in the first place but I know they're pointing at high T men when they're talking about masculinity. I think what we perceive as masculine differs. You could find a man with a thick beard masculine but in my opinion he won't be one of those with his T because he has big eyes and that's the work of estrogen.
High T is more than just a few traits. Someone with a ripped body isn't necessary one of those with high T. His non existent jaw line means he ain't one of them.
You either have them complete or you aren't one of them.
A low T man would have a hard time developing muscles than a high T man. A high T man is confident a low T man isn't, that's why undergo hormone therapy. A low T man builds more fat than muscle. ''Bad guys'' are usually one of the high T though if that makes sense.
@gteen according to multiple therapists, psychiatrists I've talked to to there is no definitive difference between Sociopath and Psychopathy, so I would be curious to get a source on that.
Men are taught not to cry, but that's socialization.
There are genetic differences between men and women but I don't think they dictate personality to the degree that you say they do. Socialization also plays a role. If women were encouraged to suppress their emotions, they probably would.
Anecdotally, going down the list of qualities you mentioned -I am stubborn -I do follow others at times -I am analytical -I'm introverted -I take a lot of shit -I don't care much about respect. I don't demand it. -generally I am logical, sometimes cold but usually warm -I give up and don't pursue -I can wear a mask of confidence -I do not consider myself to be attractive -physically I do not appear masculine. Though I've gotten attention from High E females. -T level Very high end of normal -I can sing bass
Are you lying? I studied psychology. I know exactly what I'm talking about when I point at psychopathy and sociopathy and they aren't the same. They're both from cluster B the dark triangle yes but they aren't the same.
Men aren't taught not to cry. Men handle their emotions differently. This has been proven.
Are you trying to say that women and men are the same? If yes, we can stop talking right here because I know I'll be wasting my time. Estrogen isn't the same as testosterone.
I'll tell you something, I personally think you're just an average male and there is nothing wrong with it. I also think you have a problem distinguishing the high e and the high T. You have a kind of perception and if someone fits it then he is one. Nope, it doesn't work like that. I've studied it elaborately and there is much more that determines the levels of someone's hormones and it explains perfectly why everyone is the way they are.
@gteen I am not lying and I explicitly said multiple times I think there are genetic differences. One thing I've read-a man's size. The other size. More testosterone means more size. Socialization cannot change that. However, I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess you wouldn't know the size of your friends just by talking to them.
My psychiatrist went to a top med school for four years and then did residency for four years. And had four years of schooling before. Unless you skipped... 12 grades, there is no way you have had that extensive of an education. I defer to him on this. Or you can show me a source.
Men are taught not to cry. As a guy, I can assure you I have firsthand experience with this that you do not have because guys are especially taught not to cry in front of women.
I would happily review a source on cluster B. All studies in the past I've seen and conversations w psychiatrists point to no difference.
@gteen the explanations you're referring to are far from perfect. And your view, though valuable, contradicts a blood test I was administered. And the other values were the same as on previous tests so a mix up seems highly unlikely. I may be an anomaly in the trend.
I'm an average guy, but according to labs I have more T. I was shocked.
Psychologists do not universally agree on this stuff. My sister studied psychology and she takes a different stance. The argument from authority isn't effective.
Also, if you believe something strongly enough, any piece of data can be pigeonholed to fit that belief. According to science if you have a certain view of people you will go to great lengths to maintain that view. So I defer to studies, which haven't concluded one way or the other.
T has no influence on size. Someone could look like a Greek god and has an average.
You might be an average male but when you did the blood test it might have increased a bit because not masturbating influences it too or you think the number is just high while it was normal. And I think the rest you said makes no sense, mate. I spend hours on researches and my study certainly did not lie to me. You have access to Google and you could look up everything I said to confirm by studies that have been done.
@gteen I have Googled this stuff. If you've seen differently I would love to take a look. Please link me these sources. I love reading studies.
Uh... Well... That wasn't the case. Since you brought it up...
I know how to read a range of numbers and my doctor confirmed it was high. If the range is 136-254 (not the actual range) and mine is 250 that's high. I'm not trying to brag, I'm trying to give an anecdotal counter example. High T is not an achievement in the slightest. Hypothetically it could have been the tail end of puberty but... *sigh*... There are signs that it was not and... Signs to support the test results. That's all I'm saying on that topic.
I have a health portal, I can check and confirm what I have told you. I'm vulnerable to the bias I talked about, but a blood test isn't biased. The person testing doesn't want to see high or low T, they just want to do the test. They are not vulnerable to this bias.
I honestly would never go after a man who called himself an "alpha male" it sounds ultimately douchey. However a better alternative would be is striving to become a leader. In my opinion an alpha male is searching power out of insecurity and can be demeaning to get this power. A leader is a confident person who people want to follow because they admire for certain qualities, ie: confidence, kindness, equity. Strive to become a leader
Good answer.. just a correction A leader doesn't want people to follow.. Rather his actions make others want to follow him. He doesn't care whether others follow him or not.
An alpha male is essentially a leader. People respect him and often follow in his footsteps because he represents an ideal. He's the type of guy who just says what he means - not necessarily in an abrasive way. Also, if he wants something, he works for it, he doesn't complain that it doesn't fall into his lap.
A true Alpha man has balance of two types of traits entangled together. These two types are Strength and Compassion. A man with strength without compassion is arrogant and unlikeable. In contrast, a man with compassion without strength is weak and feminine.
Qualities of Strength:
Confident & Assertive Strong: Physically, Mentally, Emotionally Courageous Structured/Disciplined Direct Decisive Protective Mysterious Dependable Logic Oriented Intelligent Passionate Independent Persistent Proud Humorous Self Respecting Morally Strong Just Conqueror Visionary Observant and Instinctive Optimistic Spontaneous Aggressive - only for defense in extreme cases
Determination, grit, strength confidence. Being physically attractive, lots of muscles.
That's what I can think of.
The way you develop into an alpha male is to start heavily working out first build some muscle and it will build your confidence. Then you just got to work on the social aspects of being a man's man.
Mostly just the ability to ignore nonsense like the concept of alpha males. Establishing your worth as a male based on the idea and perception of others is, ironically, incredibly beta. So well. If you care about being seen as alpha and make adjustments for it, then you my friend are a beta.
He has to be physically imposing. He must appear confident. He must be worldly, meaning he has a breadth of world experience to convey and draw upon. He must be successful in his endeavors, academically or professionally. He must strive for excellence in all he does. He must have a measure of self control, and most importantly, he must have the will and the ability to make the community around him better.
Here’s a 7 step program to be alpha. 1. Change your name to chad 2. Workout everyday (only arms) 3. Become a firefighter 4. Have a puppy or kitten 5. Call everyone bro 6. Sunglasses aren’t optional they’re mandatory 7. Wear a tank top at all times
This list was created sarcastically so please don’t follow it ever
-Not caring about feelings but logic. -Dressing like a man, not in fruity designer clothes. -Making decisions in favor of the "pack", instead of personal gains. -Fighting for one's "tribe" with tooth and nail. -Breeding a lot of women, having many offspring. -You have to be the absolute supreme, physically. You *must* defeat all other competing males.
To be a strong independent beast with no hesitation and to do what's best for your allies even if it's a tough decision an alpha stands tall and does his best to help and protect his loved ones and is the first to step up in times of danger and turmoil
If you can't handle the role of leader then you have no right to call yourself an alpha
Confidence, that is by far the most important trait. After that comes charisma, physical ability, monetary success, and reproductive success. Alpha male is a position in our social hierarchy, which mainly indicates social power, someone who is above average on all three measures of success. Which are reproductive, monetary, and social.
An alpha male is a leader to others, their smart bet yet cocky, don't take shit from anyone. Always first to finish a fight. They will give respect to those who have earned it. Will not hesitate to fight for anyone that is important to them, and most importantly they stand on what they belive in.
There's nothing like an alpha male. Some guys are just born leaders and others respect and follow them. It's a skill, but it doesn't make people become alpha. Don't throw with it like if it's bread.
A prehensile tail and canines at least two inches long. If you're a human though, you might be out of luck. Human social structures are more complicated than that.
The idea of the Alpha Male has been scientifically and socially disproven many times. But for the sake of this, I'm gonna assume you mean the strong guy at the bar. I think the traits of the ideal Alpha are Kind but not "Nice". Strong/burly, and confident. To become an "Alpha Male", hit the gym, be confident in yourself and don't be a "Nice Guy"
of course there is requirements, you are not just born alpha. mental and physical conditioning. it is a skill that can be learnt but also relative to the degrees of size of the group and different types of groups. apes for strength and security for an alpha and same in prison. could be from resources and power or your confidence or how many people you slept with...
I disagree with that statement completely. for instance if you had 3 bad relationships in a row your personality will adapt and change to protect yourself from it. same with if you was asking people out and got turned down 3 time. you will start to adapt to it... you are not born like that and it is dormant... you are not confident it is bread into you.
I don't believe in the Alpha or Beta male concept, but to be consider a "Alpha" male you need to be confident, bold, courgeous, charming, nice, firm and strong in will and character.
Being alpha means you are successful on all three measures of success. Sexual, social, and monetary. An alpha is someone people willingly follow because he represents an ideal, a lifestyle and personality to strive for.
have you ever been in a friend circle and one person decided what the group will do, in that instance they are an alpha or omega. simply a dominant male or female.
Glad to hear, some people are more confident others me fake it till we make it. I do believe there are some elements to it but I don't know enough to make a sound judgment either way. Cute dog by the way, reminds me of one from a dog food commercial.
This is the most stupid and narrow-minded response you could ever have. app build for sharing options and gaining understanding. lmao.. can't even back up your response with a reason (not even a fact as to why)...
CLASSIC SITUATION: 3 Popular position bitches in a school alpha is the one everyone follows. you must have been able to relate at some point.
You would be classified as a confrontational alpha but I would not say you'd been intellectual alpha.
Girl's Behavior 
Guy's Behavior 
Flirting 
Dating 
Relationships 
Fashion & Beauty 
Health & Fitness 
Marriage & Weddings 
Shopping & Gifts 
Technology & Internet 
Break Up & Divorce 
Education & Career 
Entertainment & Arts 
Family & Friends 
Food & Beverage 
Hobbies & Leisure 
Other 
Religion & Spirituality 
Society & Politics 
Sports 
Travel 
Trending & News 
+1 y
+1 y
Opinion Owner+1 y
Opinion Owner+1 y
Most Helpful Opinions