If you also find Bumble, Hinge, and the rest of those apps more exasperating than a Rubik's cube in the hands of a toddler, then congratulations—you've just found a kindred spirit, haha. I figured I'd give Reddit a shot, since I think it's more conducive to quality conversation.

Anyways, here's a bit about me:

• I'm 40, male, and work in corporate real estate. It can be demanding at times, but I love what I do.
• My hobbies are as diverse as my Spotify playlists. One minute I'm into woodworking. Next minute, I could be whipping up a storm in the kitchen. You've been warned!
• I'm a voracious reader. I'm into everything from the classics to self-help. If you have recommendations, I’m all ears!
• Gardening is my zen zone. There’s something satisfying about nurturing plants from seed to bloom. Plus, did you know talking to your plants can actually help them grow?
• I dabble in poetry. It’s mostly for my eyes only, but there’s something about weaving emotions into words that feels like magic.
• I enjoy staying active, and love taking hikes and walks in nature. Hopefully you're also into traveling.
• I’m an avid collector of random facts. Did you know that a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance? (That’s us, should we decide to flock together.)

What I'm Looking For:

• I’m looking for someone who values genuine connections, and meaningful conversations that span everything from personal growth to the mysteries of the universe. Someone who appreciates the beauty in being real, even when it’s messy or complicated.
• I’m drawn to people who possess a curiosity about the world and its cultures, philosophies, and ways of life. You should love to explore—whether it’s flipping through the pages of a book, experimenting with a new recipe, or planning our next adventure. It’s all about growing, learning, and experiencing life together!
• I value someone who can navigate the complexities of feelings with kindness and patience, recognizing that while we may not always have the same perspectives, we can respect and support one another through anything.
• Life is too short to take too seriously all the time. I’m looking for someone who can laugh at the silliness of life, find joy in the small moments, and not be afraid to be silly. Let's be real—laughter is not just medicine, but also the glue in a good relationship.

Finally, I gotta share some funny stories from the apps—

• Someone had "looking for my partner in crime" in their dating app bio. So, I jokingly asked what crime they were planning, hoping for a witty back-and-forth. Their response? "Tax evasion." I laughed it off, but part of me couldn't help but wonder if I should report them to the IRS, haha.
• I met someone who communicated solely through emojis. Their entire bio? Emojis. Their messages? More emojis. It was like trying to decipher hieroglyphs. I still wonder if 🍕 🐈 meant "I love pizza and cats" or "I'm a pizza-eating cat." A modern mystery.
• There's always a ghosting story, isn't there? This one ghosted me after a few great dates. Months later, they messaged me out of the blue to apologize, saying they’d been kidnapped by aliens and had just returned. I appreciated the creativity of their excuse but suggested they workshop it a bit more before their next abduction, haha.

Anyways, if you're up for some great conversation on this Thursday, feel free to reach out!