I'm definitely game if you want to come up with a cool backstory of how we met. Maybe we're both secretly spies? Maybe you recommended me a good set of hand towels while in Target? I don't know. I'm a little burnt out trying to get to the end of the year and this holiday season has seemed especially long since the start of November. My birthday is on Sunday and for some reason as I inch closer to 40 it feels like it'd be really great to have someone to sit on the couch with as we laugh at the stupid memes and videos we send each other.

Anyway, my name is Derek and in the interest of connecting with someone real I'm just going to keep it open and transparent. Hopefully you'll do the same. I figured I'd give this reddit thing one more short.

• 6'3'' in real life
• Bearded
• Full head of hair (although there's a lot more grays recently)
• I wish I had a better smile but I'm working on it
• Fully employed. Own my own house. Debt free. Looking to retire early.
• I'm built like an o-lineman in football, i.e tall, broad shouldered, and handsome? I do not have washboard abs but -- BUT one perk is I don't have pictures of me shirtless holding a giant fish I just caught.
• I oddly get complimented on my large hands a lot. Not sure why I wrote that but if you're into that, awesome for me!
• I'm not a dad, but I am an 'airport dad'. I'm always prepared. 
• I'm very introverted and neurodivergent and I spent way too long staring at this post before hitting post because it needed to look formatted in a way that made my brain happy. I like deep conversations and getting to know people but it may take me a bit to get out of my shell but I'm very loyal and protective of the people I care about.
• I have a small but tight knit group of friends who I know I can count on for anything. I think that's more important than having a ton of friends who never text back or only call you when they need something.
• Therapy has helped me a lot with working out issues with anxiety and relationships.
• I love reading and I read a lot. Tell me what's on your TBR or your favorite book this year.
• I hate the gym but force myself to go because apparently when you get past the age of 35 if you sneeze wrong you can throw your back out. FUN! 

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This next section is a list of a few things I've been asked in the past when I've posted on here so hopefully it puts your mind at ease if you want to message me.

• Yes, my bed has a headboard.
• Yes, I also have more than one set of sheets and more than one pillow on my bed.
• Yes, I do wash my feet in the shower
• Yes, I do have more than one bath towel
• Yes, I will walk on the outside if we're walking together.

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What I'm looking for:

Well, like most folks on here - a long term relationship. Someone ideally I can share a life with. I like to take care of the woman that I'm with. It'd be nice to find someone who enhances my life and I enhance theirs. Someone that likes making inside jokes, enjoys people watching, can tolerate the silences and the small talk. If you can genuinely make me laugh that is pretty special in my opinion. If you like the idea of being invited to social gatherings but also like the idea of leaving early to get take out to then go relax on the couch watching your favorite show after we might be alike.

Look, I know there has to be an attraction on some level. I'm a guy, I like feminine women. I like when I can take a woman out somewhere nice that she can dress up for and toss some heels on. Just being honest.

Anyway, I've probably rambled enough. Get in touch if this at least made you laugh or if you're interested. I look forward to hearing from you.

NOTE: This came up the last time I posted and in case it wasn't clear in my post haha I'm looking for a relationship. That being said, I'm aware that takes time and I'm not looking to rush into anything. I'm not looking for a penpal, a text buddy, or an online friend. Long distance is okay within reason. I look forward to hearing from you.