Hey there! I hope your week is going well. I’m interested in chatting with someone like-minded to see if there’s the potential for a romantic relationship. I’m truly looking to get to know someone, and I’m not in any rush for anything romantic to happen or any labels to be applied. While I don’t “need” a partner, I’d still like to find one, and I’m interested in taking my time and proceeding with intention.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

• Someone around my age (maybe 35-50).
• Someone in my general location (NC, or at least the East Coast).
• Someone who considers open-mindedness to be important. Someone who values equality for ALL people. Someone who looks at the current state of the world and sees ways to improve conditions for those who have been marginalized and oppressed. Someone who wants to use their voice to make this world happier, fairer, and more equal.
• Someone who’s passionate about things, whatever they may be.
• Someone who appreciates a good work/life balance.
• Someone who doesn’t always subscribe to a black-and-white view of the world, and who enjoys exploring things that are unique or nuanced.
• Someone who knows what they want and values connection, conversation, creativity, communication, and compassion. Someone who respects boundaries and is interested in an equal partnership. Someone who values working things out, even when that involves compromise.
• Someone who wants a monogamous relationship. I’m single and seeking someone who is also single. If you’re poly, that’s awesome, but we just won’t be a match. If you’re married, please don’t message me. I know that there are people out there in difficult relationships, and while they absolutely have my empathy, I’m not looking to become involved in an affair.
• Someone who is genuine in their intentions, and values consistency, openness, kindness, and honesty.
• Someone who’s looking for a partner to add depth and meaning to their life, rather than the romantic notion of a partner “completing” you. I think that’s a lovely idea in theory, but I’ve found that it’s unfair to apply those expectations to people in practice. I believe that we’re all responsible for our own happiness first and foremost.
• Someone who wants not only a partner, but a best friend; someone to enjoy life and all its ups and downs with. Someone who’s happy to do things together, but who’s also content to enjoy activities and hobbies separate from their partner.
• Someone who’s looking to proceed as friends first, without any immediate expectations surrounding intimacy. Don’t get me wrong, I love intimacy, and I’d like to find a partner who values spontaneity, passion, and variation! I just won’t be proceeding with that until both parties agree that there’s a solid foundation.

Here are some things I enjoy, so you can get a sense of whether we may be like-minded:

• Road trips and travel, whether big or small, spontaneous or planned.
• Learning new things and exploring new places and ideas.
• Reading, writing, music, art, and other creative pursuits. Curiosity in general.
• Spending time with friends and family.
• Laughter, humor, joyfulness, and comedy. I tend to have a sharp, dry, and even dark sense of humor, though I appreciate all sorts of humor. Laughter is healing.
• Cooking, baking, and going out to new restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc. Culinary pursuits in general.
• Hiking and exploring the outdoors when the weather permits.
• Staying busy and active overall, without forgetting the adage that it’s important to stop and smell the roses. I enjoy little things: a cloudless day, making a stranger smile, discovering a new word or fact, and so on.
• The art of conversation; just sitting with enjoyable company and chatting about innumerable things, whether the topics are serious, silly, or anything in between.

If this sounds like you, awesome! I love meeting new people. If this doesn’t quite sound like you, that’s okay, too! We’re all unique, and I wish you luck and contentment.

Well, whew! Thank you for reading my novel. I can’t believe you made it this far. I look forward to hearing from you and having some lovely chats with you!