I've made really wonderful friends here and now am hoping to meet someone with the intention of seeing if there's chemistry and going from there. My goal is a long-term relationship, but I'd like to know that I'm dating a good friend as opposed to dating a stranger I'm simply attracted to. Of course, physical attraction is important and I've included a picture below along with some information about myself, and 'you', to give you an idea of who I am and what I'm looking for. I'm not interested in a whirlwind anything or rushing head first into a new relationship; I want to build one with the right person by being mindful, intentional, and openly communicating.

I'd prefer to meet people in or near my time zone, but you don't have to be in the same state. Although not ideal, I'm open to (initially) long-distance relationships. If you're interested in speaking with me, I prefer reddit Chat over the private message feature; and if we connect and there seems to be chemistry, I'd really like to move to a different platform like Discord or WhatsApp as I appreciate calls and video chats over texting all of the time.

When you message me, tell me a bit about yourself!

Me:

- What I look like: https://imgur.com/a/IBQd503

- Introspective Introvert

- Capricorn sun, Virgo moon, Leo Rising

- On the serious side but I know when to be silly (and no, I probably won't laugh at your dad jokes)

- Neurodivergent (ADHD) Depression Anxiety (in counseling and on meds)

- Primary love languages are quality time, words of affirmation, and acts of service

- Married (and divorced) once - Childfree; I'd consider getting married again, but I don't want kids

- Monogamous

- As content in conversation as I am with shared silence

- Enjoys writing (currently working on a novel), reading (favorite book: Jane Eyre), being creative and artsy (check out my post history), spending time with my dog, playing Animal Crossing, binging TV shows (currently watching Farscape), playing board games, and being outdoors

- Can be very passionate about my interests and hobbies and love to share them with others (some of my interests include astrology, psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and antiques)

- Learning sign language to better communicate with and train my deaf dog

You:

- Introspective, self-aware, and mindful

- Kind, considerate, and compassionate

- Are probably a little goofy at times

- Always curious and learning

- Romantic at heart

- LGBTQ friendly & Left-leaning

- Good emotional intelligence & comfortable with being vulnerable

- Not a heavy drinker, or cigarette smoker--but cannabis-friendly

- Childfree