Hello,

My name is Byron, and this is my story.

After much soul searching (and a fair dose of anxiety), I am establishing for myself a completely new lifestyle. Decades in the rat race have left me wanting, and so I have chosen to walk away from that life in order to focus on things that I actually find fulfilling, on creating a life worth living. While this transition is occasionally stressful, I am less than two years away from being able to work wherever and whenever I choose. To this end, I am gradually preparing to vacate the concrete jungle with the intent of relocating somewhere significantly more peaceful. Someplace where I can enjoy doing things that actually make me happy. It will be a life of peace, fenced backyards for the dogs, frequent outdoor excursions (often on a whim), cozy local coffee shops, occasional social outings, and probably a little more. I am in search of an adventurous partner of similar ideals who would like to build this life with me.

That is the plan I am executing on. As it happens, I excel at turning seemingly impractical ideas into realities, so this will happen. This is not a pipe dream. It is real.

In terms of my final destination, I have not yet settled on that. I am open to suggestions if you happen to have one. Major cities are non-starters, but good candidates would include places like these:

• Asheville, NC
• Flagstaff, AZ
• Bend, OR
• Hawaiian islands not named O'ahu

If this adventure sounds like something that might appeal to you, please read on. Let me tell you about myself.

Personality:

I am best described as the quiet intellectual type, but with a flair for silliness and a well developed, sardonic sense of humor. I am an introverted hopeless romantic who battles social anxiety at times. I listen with the intent to understand, but will openly challenge behaviors or thinking that I consider to be destructive or ineffective. I am self-disciplined, empathetic, understanding, and patient, but firm. I have not raised my voice since 2016, but am direct and assertive as needed. I avoid crowds and crave intimacy.

INTJ, if that is important to you. Libra with Pisces moon and Sag rising if you prefer that. Not stating a position on these things, just offering information in different forms that some may find helpful.

Key Demographics:

• straight
• genuinely single
• non-religious
• non-smoker
• omnivorous
• politically progressive
• MEd, ABD

Interests and Hobbies:

• psychology; my ABD is in business psychology
• history
• hiking
• games, in almost all forms
• the usual nerdy sci-fi & fantasy stuff
• exploring new places, especially those noteworthy for their beauty or historical importance
• writing
• pending: kayaking; I really want to take up kayaking

Physical/Appearance:

I am 5'9" (maybe 5'10" on a good day) and normally have a slim-fit physique. I dislike being even a little overweight. I have a full head of light brown hair, no dye required. Greenish eyes. A handful of tattoos. I usually wear a beard in the winter, then shave it off in the summer; this is negotiable, however. I have a couple recent pics here. Should you choose to snoop through my profile after reading this you will find some other photos of me, but be warned: those pictures are like eight years old now.

Expectation Setting:

Though employed in a unique role at one of the most unique workplaces on the planet, I work with the goal of living a contended life rather than a luxurious one. Status and the trappings of wealth do not interest me. I prefer a less stressful life filled with learning and experiences rather than things. Do not mistake this approach for slovenliness, however. You won't find me walking around Walmart in my pajamas.

I have had a vasectomy, so future children are not in the cards. I do have a daughter in college, but she is extremely independent and happily living her own life now. I am extremely proud of her and her accomplishments.

About You:

A woman, obviously. Emotionally expressive, thoughtful, and ideally still as possessed of a sense of wonder as I am. Smart is incredibly sexy. If you happen to have a doctorate I am going to want to learn all about your work. Nerdy interests are ideal, but not required. Physically active. Creative. Non-smoker.

Age and ethnicity are not important to me. I have dated a wide range of both. How we mesh as individuals is far more relevant.

I don't care where you live now. Dallas, Chicago, Singapore, Luxembourg... doesn't matter, as long as we can make something work. If this description awakens something inside of you, let's talk.

I look forward to hearing from you. Tell me about yourself, send some pics, talk about your goals - even the ones you hold in secret because they seem like fantasies. Messages that just say "hi" will be ignored.