Looking for my one and only special person

I turned 38 M this year, but people often say I could easily pass for someone in their late 20s (though who knows, I might start greying or lose all my hair tomorrow... that's a different story ;))

Height: 5'7 | Moderately fair in complexion | Lean/fit

I've been single almost all my life except for dating a couple of women in the last few years with the intention of something long lasting.

I love movies. Cinema has always been my biggest passion and strength. I work as a writer, director, and editor in the Indian film industry (not famous/rich yet :)), and I currently live in Bangalore.

I’m a simple, non-materialistic introvert. That said, like most introverts, I talk a lot once I'm comfortable with someone. I rarely buy anything beyond the basics. I still wear a few shirts that are about 20 years old (I honestly don’t know how they’ve lasted this long!). There was a time, many years ago, when I cared a lot about appearances, fashion, and things, but losing a parent unexpectedly shifted my priorities and changed me deeply.

Coming from a middle-class background, I value every rupee. For example, if I want to order food, I’d rather walk to a nearby restaurant than spend extra on delivery/convenience fees. The same goes for booking movie tickets... I buy them at the box-office counter. But that’s only when it comes to myself. With family and friends, their comfort matters more than the cost.

I’m also an atheist, and I’d prefer my partner to be one too, or at least someone who doesn’t rely heavily on rituals, astrology, or attributing everything to “God’s timing.”

If I do get married one day, I’d honestly prefer a simple, intimate court wedding with just close family and friends. I’d want my focus to be on my partner, not on guests, gifts, outfits, or menus. (*a personal preference not a condition)

The qualities I value most in a partner are independence, self-awareness, empathy, kindness, loyalty, and respect. Physical and mental health also matter to me, since I’m health-conscious and work out whenever I find time. And yeah, I know to cook.

I’m not flawless by any measure. I can sometimes be boring. I love to sleep a LOT. I’ll order ice cream when everyone else orders drinks (even at professional gatherings). I can be annoying with my comfort food like that. Btw, I don’t smoke or drink. And I can happily stare at a wall or the sky for hours. So yeah… :)

Languages I connect with most are Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi (in that order). At home, I mostly speak Telugu mixed with Tamil.

Mutual respect, love, attraction, and friendship are very important to me... I believe they form the foundation of a healthy relationship. Physical intimacy, including sex, is also important to me, as I see it as a deep expression of love and connection.

I’d prefer to meet someone who’s also single and never married, like I am. I know that might be harder to find at my age, but I thought it’s worth mentioning.

Life is long, and I truly want to share it with someone I love... someone who can be both a best friend and a great romantic partner. For me, effortless coexistence is the dream.

We only get one life, and I don’t want to miss out on the chance of finding “my person,” if she happens to be out there... even on Reddit.

Thank you for reading! :)