Hi! The world is an existential nightmare, but it could be a nightmare we share!

I'm a professional writer and game designer looking for a long-term relationship. 30s- no kids (past or future), no prior marriages, no addictive substances (except sugar). Pretty far left political stances. I'm mostly fit (though my cardio is garbo), slender, and 6'0, and I've been told I'm handsome if you like guys with shaved heads- Ideally would like to be with someone similar and generally around my age /- 9 years.

While I've been called "the most real person I've met with online dating," I should warn you ahead of time, that's either a good thing or a bad thing depending on your perspective. Can't promise everyone will see me as a lovable scamp, but you'll hopefully at least find me authentic.

I'd love to meet someone curious, clever, and confident. Bonus points for people with gothy/punk/alternative styles, but that's not a dealbreaker or anything (I would like someone to help me pick out tattoos). No smokers, please! That is a dealbreaker.

I've been around enough to know what I'm looking for and not to settle. I strive for (and expect in return) open communication, honesty, a problem-solving attitude towards conflict, and compassion/empathy/understanding/patience. Self-improvement and being up-front are important to me. Communication has recently been a problem with prospective partners over the last couple years, so I want to stress that I'm not the right fit for someone who's conflict-avoidant or who doesn't approach their partner with the benefit of the doubt. For me, there's no point in a relationship if you can't trust each other and feel safe with each other even when you disagree about something.

I try to be a patient, understanding, and kind person who takes responsibility for his mistakes and tries to grow from them. I'm not perfect, and I don't expect perfection. I just want someone who works with me, complementing my rough edges while I complement theirs. We're both human and we ought to give each other the benefit of the doubt if at all possible.

I'm definitely more of a homebody/introvert, but I like walks, swimming, working out, and indoor rock climbing. But you're more likely to find me playing some kind of game. I'm affectionate and mostly silly even if I take a lot of topics seriously. I try to view life with humor, but I've got anxiety/depression, so I'd prefer to be with someone who at least understands mental health issues. I love a faux-combative dynamic with partners - giving each other low-key shit. Life's no fun unless we're being a little mean to each other (Them Statler and Waldorf vibes, right?)

It generally takes me a minute to warm up to someone, but I try to let prospective partners dictate the flow of conversation initially so they feel comfortable. I'm flexible in my approach overall, but I usually hold off on talking about physical intimacy for a second. Though it's faster if we click just right.

I try to measure my words very carefully (to make sure I mean what I say and say what I mean, if you know what I mean), but when I know what to say, I tend to text in paragraphs (AS YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO TELL), so fair warning. But, I'd ideally like to be with someone who can do comfortable silence too. I just like existing with friends or partners, even if we're doing something totally separate.

If you weren't driven insane by my writing style/density, please give me a holler - Let's be snarky weirdos together! (I would really appreciate a picture with your message if you're comfortable with it. I just don't want to waste your time if the attraction's not there!)