I'll be honest: I've had a really hard year and I've been incredibly unhappy lately. I'm getting the help I can; but my social life feels so precarious if not non-existent. I started withdrawing in October and I was content to keep only my own company. I've been in a depressive episode that started in June '22, so isolating has been a common occurrence.

However, recently something changed--I don't really know what--and I find myself missing a lot of things. The biggest is having someone to confide in and be vulnerable with, and to have them do the same in turn. You know, support without the judgment and expressing emotions without the shame. I've been so used to always having a spouse or a partner that I don't think I ever really learned how to form these kinds of bonds with another person outside of a romantic context, and it's tough to face that reality.

The thing is, I've connected with some really amazing women this past year but maybe as these things do, they tend to 'run their course' and that's just not what I'm looking for. I want something that lasts, something that deepens and grows stronger over time. I want to connect with someone I feel safe going to, and who feels safe coming to me. Someone I can try to be goofy with, who is probably silly herself.

Ideally you're single because I want to be the selfish friend, though I won't shun you if you're in a relationship (lol). I'd prefer to talk to someone my age or within a few years.

Here's a little 'about me.'

• I have a deaf dog who is my baby girl and entire world. I'm convinced I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her.
• My goal for the new year is to become a substitute teacher and decide whether or not teaching is for me before returning to school. This would be a career change for me so I'm both excited and nervous.
• I probably take things too seriously--too literally--but I promise I have a sense of humor. It just takes awhile before it comes out (usually after I get to know someone better).
• I'm single, and while I'm okay with that, I do miss things like being in love, laughing with someone I get to kiss, and having someone to hug on the regular. This isn't relevant to the ad, I'm just giving some insight into my 'love life.' As a note, I consider myself queer/lesbian.
• I used to be really into antiquing and collecting antiques, especially uranium glass. I still have a few pieces here and there in my collection, including a lamp I built, which I really enjoyed doing.
• Before my depression dialed itself to 11 in '22, I was in roller derby and it made me so happy. The first time I jammed was one of the first times I felt truly proud of myself. I daydream about putting on my skates and stretching my legs across the parking lots and paths around me.
• I'm a super quiet introvert by default. I often worry I'm not talking enough or adding to the conversation, but that tends to 'just be in my head' for the most part.
• I've been binge watching the Trailer Park Boys all year and it's my comfort show. If I knew more people who liked the show, it would probably be a bigger part of my personality somehow, lol. (I like to quote things but what's the fun in quoting something no one will get?)
• I enjoy things like horror and sci-fi. I'm a huge Marvel and Star Wars fan. I collect Locke & Key (comics).
• I'm not as big of a gamer as I used to be. I pretty much stick to Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the occasional stint in Minecraft (the Deep Dark stresses me out sooooo much, lol).
• I love most genres of music except for country. Some of my top favorite artists include: the Deftones, Ghost, Childish Gambino, Lana Del Rey, Gunship, the Cannons, and the Midnight
  

Okay, so that was a bit more than I thought I'd be able to write about myself, so if you're still reading, thank you, haha.

I prefer talking over Reddit Chat first. Discord and a few other apps are also an option if we get along well. I'm a fan of voice chatting and video calls, too, for the most part. If you're into anything I've said and/or are looking for something similar, I hope you reach out and introduce yourself.