With fingers firmly on keyboard and tongue firmly in cheek, the writer attempts to write - and rewrite - himself. There is a certain irony in this: he is so used to expressing himself in narratives, yet this narrative is the hardest he has ever had to write.

Like any first draft, the story has potential. But hindsight is 20/20, and likewise, so are second drafts, third drafts, a fourth. One can only revise a tale so many times before fact becomes intertwined with fiction, and the story takes on a life of its own.

It would be nice, though, if the story turned out something like this: the protagonist meets his soulmate, falls in love with her and lives happily ever after.

Some would argue that this makes for a very predictable story. After a while, though, one learns to appreciate plots that have the least amount of complications - and the most amount of closure.

Hello! Thought I would try something different in my post this time, so here goes:

What are you looking for on Reddit?

Love and romance though I'm not looking to rush into anything straight away. I'd like to start off on friendly terms first so we can get to know each other better before deciding if we wanna take things further

What do you look like?

Intellectual and emotional attraction are important for me and ranks right up there with physical attraction. So I'm gonna be very upfront and firm on this especially after a few unpleasant experiences on Reddit

If we're both comfortable after the first few messages, let's do a quick video call to ascertain both of us are genuine and real, as well as there being a possibility of physical attraction. I've had my time wasted before (catfishing, attention-seeking, you name it, it's happened) and I'm not going down that road again

How would you describe yourself?

If you're a fan of MBTI tests, I'm an ENFJ. Generally, I'm fairly open-minded and adventurous and I'll try anything once. Almost anything... ;) My friends and colleagues describe me as calm and patient, though I have occasional moments of spontaneity too

What do you like doing?

I'm a literature buff so I like reading and writing. I'm into the arts and culture as well so I enjoy film, theatre and visits to museums or art galleries too

I also like the outdoors and have started appreciating walking/hiking/being a tourist in my own backyard. I enjoy being active and I do salsa play pickleball

What are you looking for in a partner?

I’m looking for someone to go out with or come home to; someone to grow old with as we build a life together. Traits I find attractive are the same ones I have: Kindness, humour, intelligence, emotional stability and a growth mindset

If you have a similar affinity for films, books and the arts, that'd be great and I'm happy to share in your interests and learn from you too

Are you for real?

Of course! We'll video call or chat on the phone so we both feel comfortable before meeting up. What’s most important to me is the quality of conversations and whether they spark joy, fascination and wonder.

Drop me a line if this resonates with you and if you’re at the stage of meeting a lifelong lover and friend too! I'm interested to know about the best day you ever had, what you’d do if you had a million dollars, or your favourite joke. Use the word "potato" in your message title so I know you're not a bot/scammer. Bonus points if it's used creatively and makes me laugh