Technically, I’m from the Midwest, but I grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland. Life took me to Towson and Michigan for a few years, but it brought me back to MoCo about ten years ago.

It’s been a weird year, and I have avoided getting close to romantic partners for the most part. (What can I say? I’m a traumatized, emotional divorced momma’s boy who has made a lot of shitty decisions.) I’m lonely and bored as hell, though, and I think it’s time I put myself out there and just trust myself to be fine no matter what happens. I really miss having a best friend, and I think finding one would be decidedly super. There are a lot of cool people out there, and sometimes you get lucky and meet one in the real world.

My primary goal is to date, but I am more than happy to gain nothing more than new friendships. If we get along great but the vibes just aren’t there, that doesn’t mean I don’t want you in my life anymore. I value companionship in whatever form it comes. Yes, attraction matters, but a lot of that comes from personality for me. (Emotional maturity is sexy!)

I am not religious, and I generally don’t care for religion. I don’t judge anyone for believing in something bigger than themselves, but I’m not a fan of anyone demanding conformity, especially if it spreads pain and suffering. That applies to governments and institutions, as well, so you can probably guess how I feel about being an American.

Speaking of which, I hate politics and avoid the news because it just depresses me. I’m no lover of the Democratic Party, but the GOP is hellbent on being cartoon villain levels of evil, so I vote against them whenever I can.

I tend to be quiet and reserved, but not stoic. I am prone to ranting and tangents, so I try to be an active listener to make up for it. I have devoted a lot of time and effort (and therapy) toward being as in touch with my emotions as possible so they don’t control me, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. I am very laid back and understanding. People tell me often that they feel comfortable talking to me, which is (partly) why…

I’m planning on going back to school next year to pursue a master’s in Clinical Professional Counselling. Therapy has been instrumental in my healing journey, and I like helping others, so this feels natural and right to me.

I love music. Metal, punk, and rock is what I listen to (and see live) most often, but I fucking love Post Malone, Tyler the Creator, Adele, and The Weeknd. I rock out to old Green Day, Nirvana, and N.W.A., too. And I’m always down for some jazz, reggae, classical, or synthwave. Not a big fan of 80’s pop/rock or modern country, but more power to you if you are.

I’m a bit of a cinephile. I love going to the movies, and I have 381 movies and 39 TV shows purchased on Fandango At Home. (I doubt I’ve even watched half of them yet, though.) Science fiction, horror and/or action are always safe bets with me, but I love a good story regardless of genre. (I’ll drop everything to watch a Studio Ghibli movie. Just saying.)

Speaking of good stories, I’m a fan of reading them as well. Give me a good nine-book series to read through and I’ll be a happy reader for a couple of months.

I have a three-year old tabby cat named Chani, and I treat her like a princess because I’m a huge sucker for cute animals (which is every animal imho). I’m open to cats, especially if they’re young. (I’ve been planning on getting Chani a companion at some point in the future, anyway.) I love dogs, but unfortunately I’m allergic.

I’m 5’9” 165 lbs, and I go to Planet Fitness three times a week. (I’m currently working on getting STRONK.) Basic white guy with blue eyes and a beard, complete with generic first name.

I know this might be shocking, but I love weed. Sex is pretty fun, too.

If you’ve made it this far, then pat yourself on the back. Maybe even spoil yourself a little and buy that thing you’ve been wanting but talking yourself out of buying. Do it for me, because I just want everyone to be happy.