It's best not to be in dad/uncle mode. There are married guys with homes in the suburbs who don't have kids yet who have lives like these. Don't copy their lifestyles. Since I'm in my late 30s, I know multiple 30 something guys, some without kids, who have lifestyles like
@Jesse Pinkman describes.
Watching college and professional sports is a waste of time. Play sports, and play sports that are more physically exerting than golf.
Many unattached/marginally attached men do not spend their leisure time with these married/LTR type men. I avoid these men and it has impacted my social life. Men who once were awesome before the multi-year girlfriend or wife have turned out to be lame beta males.
Cold approaching is so tough. You're so right that you will endure mental and emotional trauma from it. Do you know what's worse? A mediocre to subpar romnatic relationship with a woman who gives you less sex every year of your relationship beyond the first 3 years.
As the college thread indicates, most men do not have an amazing college experience, even those who go to party schools in Sun Belt US states. If college is the peak, that would be extremely depressing.
Every day, I become more convinced that the trade school/blue collar path is a better path than college.
A lot of male friendship is bullshiit. A lot of married men and multi-year LTR men end up disassociating from their unattached/marginally attached male friends.
I consider rushing fraternities but decided against it. Seems like a good choice.