My self-summary

Mostly on a swiping break while I renovate my condo (and finish unpacking - ugh), but I’ll read a message if it’s sent (and I can find it - thanks, OKC). I definitely have time to date even if I am not swiping.

Work in NW DC and live in Rockville.

Since it's relevant - I can grow my hair but tend to shave it every few weeks. Hence trying to show that variety in my photos.

I’m big on emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-ownership.

Considerate, affable, playful, approachable. I'm quick with a joke and quicker to offer a shoulder/ear.

Dad, dichotomy, gregarious, lover of things both deep and whimsical, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound…

Communication is critically important to me - as are honesty, openness, courtesy, consideration, and consistency.

I'm a straightforward guy looking for something authentic. I've seen too many people pretend to be what they think others are looking for - and I believe it causes a lot of issues.

So I'm going to be me - just be you, and we'll find out whatever it is that makes us (but for my part, I'm looking for my person). And while I believe "my person" is a whole class with many people in it, I tend to focus on one thing at a time to discover what each dynamic is (in short, my goal is to actually be done with online dating, so no FOMO here).

I believe that individual dynamics can bring out different parts of people's personalities which is why we've all probably met folks who "bring out the best of us" and why they're special to us.

My mom thinks I'm a catch; so I've got that going for me - which is nice.

I will admit to crying at certain movies, but am absolutely a manly man. Will spend hours walking or hiking but also spend hours sitting in front of Netflix. Have a stocked bookshelf but often read trade articles instead (not by choice, but out of necessity).

I believe in balance in all things though admit sometimes it is necessary to swing/push the pendulum in a single direction for a while.

Of the love languages, I prefer to receive a balance of time, words, and touch. In return, I actively give time, service, touch, and words with occasional gifts.

While I would say I'm looking for someone exceptional, I also believe whole-heartedly that she most likely doesn't view herself as such.

What I'm doing with my life

I'm a web/software developer by trade. In former lives, I have worked for Bungie, Lockheed Martin, The Travel Channel, AND Wendy's at various points.

Being a good father to my tiny people (they are not in my home full time, but I see them with regularity). Two are already off to college (one of whom has her degree) so, Mission Accomplished?

Divorced for over a decade from a 15-year relationship, 4 years past a 5-year relationship, I'm happy, healthy, whole, and believe I have a lot to offer a partner.

I'm someone who is generally down for any activity or shenaniganry. My interests are varied and legion, I'm just more prone to focus on projects (like my condo) when I roll solo than to treat myself to a glorious adventure at present.

I'm really good at

Being myself with impunity but revealing myself with discretion.

Helping others.

Listening.

Finding the bright side of almost any situation.

Seeing A, instantly deriving Z (but sometimes failing to be able to explain more than B-H and maybe W-Z).

Apparently making Cheesecake (who knew?)

Playing fútbol (ask me sometime about playing against the U-17 German National team).

Really dry humor (read also: Dad Jokes en pointe) - although that's often a mood thing with me.

My humor also runs the gamut from highly-inappropriate (are we not doing phrasing anymore?) to sedate and under-stated. However, chances of your running into the highly-inappropriate early are low (see the discretion part above).

Favorite books, movies, shows, music, and food

While most of my reading these days tends to be technical/trade in nature (usability guides, et al), I have a decent collection of fiction.

While it makes me slightly squeamish to admit that I not only read the entire Harry Potter series, but also enjoyed them, my "standard fare" includes Cook, PK Dick, Herbert, Adams, Shakespeare, and R.R. Martin.

My movie tastes run all over the place. I enjoy horrible B-movies to relax (Mega Shark vs Your Mom), the occasional horror film, Action, Drama, Sci-fi, and due to having girls, can probably embarrass you (or is that myself?) with my knowledge of Disney movies.

The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Daredevil (and most of the other Marvel shows on Netflix - I say most because, well, I'm looking at you Danny Rand, Immortal Iron Fist, Protector of K'un Lun, Sworn Enemy of The Hand...), The Flash, Firefly, Arrested Development, Deadwood, Six Feet Under, HIMYM, Archer, Stranger Things, WestWorld.

My musical tastes are all over the board. Here are 10 random artists from my library:

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Underworld

Pink Floyd

Beethoven (okay, composer, but still)

Dag Nasty

Tool

A-ha (shhh)

Stephen Lynch (he sort of counts)

Radiohead

Barry White

Food? Yes, please. Pretty much anything but seafood (tuna fish sandwiches and occasional servings of fish and chips notwithstanding). Would choose Chinese over Thai, a good filet over... pretty much anything. But please - like whatever you like! I can find something to eat at almost any seafood restaurant...

I spend a lot of time thinking about

Others. Your Mom. Zombie Plans. Anything. Everything. Your Mom's Zombie Plan.

When to use an em-dash instead of an en-dash – I mean who truly knows?

The bright side of almost any situation. I consider myself an optimistic realist (or perhaps, on occasion, an idealist), but acknowledge that I lean towards wearing rose-colored glasses most of the time. I do, however, temper this by intellectualizing things so that I am not blind-sided - which magically keeps my optimism intact.

On a typical Friday night I am

Keeping myself busy by renovating my condo at present (I bought the ugly duckling and she's come a long way).

Friday nights are often my Good Wine Bad Movie™ nights. I'll pair a nice red with one of the worst movies I can find (Killer Clowns from Outer Space has featured previously).

Hoping to run into the woman who has secretly been plotting to steal my heart – or maybe it was my kidneys – all I remember is that it was one of the major organs and there was a fairly healthy black market demand for it...

The most private thing I'm willing to admit

You know that part of your brain that tells you to not admit to certain things in mixed company? Mine has an intermittent connection.

For whatever reason, I've been listening to Underworld's Barking album as a quasi-soundtrack of late.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhVefFusPjk

You should message me if

You want to engage in conversation on a wide variety of subjects to see if I'm your type of people (in fact, since I'm not swiping currently, this may be the only way a conversation happens).

You think kumite may just be the best way ever to solve relationship problems (and don't have to ask if I'm serious).

(optional)

You've got a TARDIS.

You find yourself in need of a charming plus one who can switch between social policies and quantum physics as needed.