I've read a few books this year that have me thinking more strongly about the various parts of my life that I feel are missing. One thing I hate doing is reading books and not trying to apply what I'm learning, this is an attempt at applying it.

One of those books suggested we need connections with people, high-quality, deep, long-term connections. There's some statistical data showing that these types of connections can significantly reduce depression, loneliness, and improve quality of life, especially late in life. As someone who definitely suffers from depression and loneliness regularly this is something I think should probably be improved sooner rather than later for me personally.

So, I'm looking for those types of people. The types that could potentially be a deep connection. Most of my friends are male, I am severely lacking women in my life and I'm hoping to change that.

While the title does say Michigan/EST, I'm open to conversations with those outside the area. Just know my schedule tends to be bed around 9:30PM EST and up around 6AM EST, so if you're more active outside these time periods it's probably going to be tough to have a conversation. Might be totally worth it if you think we're a great fit though.

Some of my interests and hobbies:

• I love playing guitar, though I am not amazing, I have started seeing huge improvement over the past month and it has further encouraged me to keep playing. I mostly have an interest in writing my own music, more as a form of self-expression and not for sharing with others.
• I also really enjoy good books. I'm listening to the audiobook of Defiant by Brandon Sanderson currently. But I'm about 50/50 split on Fantasy books and non-fiction for 2023. I have a friend that I do a book club with for non-fiction, might be fun to find someone I can sit down with on a call and do a fantasy book club with as well.
• I am trying to become a more healthy person. This is a new one and instead of trying to start it in the new year, I am starting early. While I am not overweight or anything I am noticing that my body and metabolism is not able to keep up with the terrible eating I have been doing so it's time to make a change both with my diet and with fitness. I row a little, so if you also have an indoor rower maybe some weekly challenges to keep each other motivated would be cool. I've also been looking at starting trail running in the spring next year when it's a little less cold to see how I enjoy that.
• I also enjoy music, and great tv shows, and that type of thing so that's another potential avenue for discussion.
• Video games are also an interest, though I don't play nearly as much as I used to. Currently playing Boulder's Gate 3 on PS5. Very very early in the game. Wouldn't mind talking with someone who has a gaming interest as well.

I am single, no kids, never married. Some potential red flags for you: I am liberal, pro-choice, pro-vaccine, believe we landed on the moon, the world is round, Trump and Musk are idiots, and cryptocurrency is a scam. If any of these bother you, I'm sorry, I'm not the person for you.

Not opposed to a potential relationship if that's the way things head. But I've kind of given up on that and figure friends is probably about the best I can hope for.

Looking to find some fun people to talk to throughout the day and get to know them. If this sounds like something you might be interested in and we share a few things in common, or similar enough things, let's talk!

Side note, please say more than "hi there." I understand that it's difficult out there and it's a numbers game to some extent. But I've made an effort here to give you information about what makes me tick and who I am. Give me a little something, including your age and general location. If you have posts of a similar type I am happy to read those in lieu of a lengthy first comment, but so many times it's a new account that's 7 days old with no posts and it just gives me nothing to go on and puts the entire conversation on me when all that's said is "hey there." Generally, I'm going to ignore those because I see people as equals and we need to both carry our portion of a conversation, especially in the beginning when neither of us know each other. Please, make an effort, it goes a long way. Thanks!