34M - (EST/US) To Be Seen, To Be Known

Good morning (if you're in North America, that is!)

I have posted here previously, but thought it might be helpful for both myself and potential new connections to be more forthcoming and transparent about who I am and what I am looking for in a friendship.

I live on the East Coast US with my wife and tabby cat. We are a happy clan of 3, but due to mental health struggles and the pressure and responsibility of work, I often feel quite lonely. I would like to expand my found family and meet people who resonate on my same frequency.

About me: I work in the mental health field. I do not want to act as a therapist in this space, but I am happy to be a supportive, empathetic friend. Trust is built over time, so I feel strongly that if we gradually get to know one another rather than test the boundaries right away, a healthy bond will follow.

I have my own history of trauma, anxiety, and depression. I share this not to evoke pity, but to make you aware so you can decide if we are compatible as friends. I've done a lot of meaningful work on myself, but I will fully admit I stumble often and require patience and understanding.

Having shared the above, you should also know that I have a silly, light-hearted sense of humor and an urgent sense of curiosity for the world around me. If I am comfortable, I will talk until my lungs give out or your ears fall off, whichever comes first. I enjoy a wide variety of stereotypically geeky hobbies and interests, enjoy cooking as a passion and a love language, and frequently engage in creative pursuits.

I am seeking curious, self possessed, warm hearted individuals who would like to experience life together, either near or far. It would be amazing if we overlap in some capacity interest wise, but I am more concerned with spending time with people who share the same values and general temperament. My wife and I are left leaning and non religious, and that's a fairly important sticking point for me in terms of sharing worldview so please be aware. I also am at a stage in my life where I do not have room for unmitigated anger, as I want to have safe, healthy adults around my children in the future.

If you have read this far, I think that already speaks toward the potential for us to be best buds. I am a chatty, strange little guy, but I have a lot of love, snacks, and factoids to offer to the right kind of people. Let me know what you're reading or watching lately. Maybe we can swap recipes or be accountability partners. The world is an oyster (and a vampire!)

25+ only, I think that's just appropriate. Please note, I will be ignoring low effort or inappropriate responses and will not continue dialogue that becomes flirtatious or unkind.

I hope we connect, and happy friending!