Hey all, as the title states, I'm looking for a best friend or a connection that might turn into something long term.

Obviously not looking to jump into anything; hoping to start slow but with the intention of feeling each other out for a relationship. The goal is someone with whom I can chase my dreams with, travel with, and just... encourage each other to be our best selves with.

I'm Asian American, looking for fellow Asian peoples.

Some about me's and what I'm looking for (I'm not always this serious, but I'm writing this in a serious mood? Idk lmaooo). Sorry in advance for the wall of text. :p

1. I love round 1 and claw machines, and the plushie collection is getting a little out of hand. These days I haven't had much free time, but when I do, I enjoy taking walks in parks, spending time with my cat, and working on projects around the house.
2. I can enjoy video games and watching shows/anime with my person too. I can be a bit scatter brained and have a tendency to procrastinate though, so I have a lot of unfinished projects all the time.
3. I'm well educated, got a degree in CS and almost minored in comparative literature. Catch me talking too much about narratives and stories uwu.
4. I'm used to being independent; I have been living on my own since I was 18. I'm introverted and slow to warm up to people, but I'm a fiercely loyal person to those I consider my inner circle.
5. I got out of my last serious relationship 1.5 years ago. I haven't seriously dated since, and I've been trying to work on my insecurities. However, I will say that I'm still prone to jealousy (had an ex cheat on me, and that seems to never go away even though I keep working on it). I would never ask you to ditch someone in your life for me, but I would need open communication and reassurance. In terms of validation, I think I need a lot, but I will ask for it bluntly.
6. I love the small things: picking you up something on the way to your place, making a cup of tea for you when I make some for myself, things like that to show that you're always on my mind. I would like reciprocation to those things.
7. Someone who is good at dealing with conflict; I'm someone who is always trying to de-escalate and talk things out and I am looking for someone similar to me in that regard. For most of my serious relationships, I've always believed in trying to talk things out, unless it's something that's irreconcilable. My biggest deal breaker is someone who gets angry/defensive easily and that they don't have a desire to work on that.
8. Currently I'm 5'3" and about 135lbs, and working on losing that. I've gained quite a bit of weight over the pandemic. I've been going to the gym 3x a week (mostly lifting, not a cardio kinda person sadly) consistently over the past few months (down from 145 lbs!!) to get back into shape. I have a backpiece tattoo, and a few piercings, but I think most people would say I'm on the cute side. Realistically I think I'm pretty average. :)