Hi, so I grew up a white American but I've learned in talking to both people in arranged marriages and those in long-term love marriages that a lot of what we "match" on in dating profiles isn't that important for the long term. From the people I've talked to, it's not about sharing hobbies or tv shows or music genres, it's more about values, respect, and shared dreams for the future.

So I'm gonna list the things I think are bedrock-important for me in a serious relationship. If you agree with me on the statements below, and we're similar ages, please reach out.

1. You aren't looking for more/any kids. I'd give my all as a step mom, but I never had the urge for kids of my own.
2. God is important to you. It doesn't matter if you're Christian, Hindu, Pagan, or spiritual, but I know I have a soul and I need a partner who sees and cares about my soul, and vice versa. Atheists are awesome, but I need spirituality to be a part of my relationship. I want to pray with my husband, even if our prayers are radically different.
3. You have left-leaning political views. I care about politics not in a rant-on-facebook way, but in a how can we put in work to make the world better-way. We don't need to agree on everything, but conservative politics will be an irreconcilable difference. (#2 and #3 do not contradict each other. I have progressive politics *because* of my faith in God. The man for me knows what I mean by this.)
4. You don't hate living in/visiting cities. I've lived rural and suburban, but cities make me happiest. I love the food, the different cultures, the art, the museums, I love public transportation. Even if we settle outside the city, I'd want to take city vacations.
5. You don't hate dancing. It could be as simple as swaying while we wait for the cookies to bake. Ideally, we'd take dancing lessons together or at the minimum, go dancing once a month. If you have no desire to slow dance in the living room, I'd be impossibly sad.
6. You find weirdness charming. I love to wear glitter. I love to wear fairy dresses or Victorian outfits to go grocery shopping. I will always like Disney movies and I'll try to get you to splash in puddles or hug a tree once in a while. I can be really adorable at times and will make up words or stick a flower in your beard. If any of this sounds off-putting, we're not meant to be.
7. You're monogamous and seeking marriage someday.

That's about it for the big stuff. Music, movies, hobbies, eating habits, love languages, those can be worked out. Obviously we need some interests in common, but I figure why not list the real deal-breakers first. I'm trying to not be so attached to my phone, so please send a PM and we can continue from there. Not a big fan of apps or texting. I'd rather hear your voice or gasp, write letters.

I am a hopeless romantic. I want big, deep love that helps us heal from the past and makes us brave to face the future. Our home will be a port in the storm with poetry and pillow forts. Show me your heart and I'll show you mine.