38 [M4F] NYC / NJ — Let’s skip the interview date and go bowling instead

I’m 38, live in NYC, and I’m at the point where I’d genuinely like to meet someone I can build a life with. I’m not looking to rush into anything or plan our wedding after three messages, but ultimately I’m dating because I’d like to settle down, get married, and start a family.
I’m pretty shy when I first meet someone, but once I’m comfortable that goes away pretty quickly. I’d describe myself as loyal, thoughtful, a little nerdy, and probably way too thorough about things that don’t require that much thought. I’m also sarcastic, love playful trash talk, and have absolutely no problem making myself the punchline.
I work for the Parks Department, and outside of work I’m a mixture of homebody and “please give me a reason to leave the house.” I love reading and will pick up basically anything, although lately I’ve been on a LitRPG and true-crime kick. I’m into bowling, golf, hockey, D&D, and getting outside when I actually have someone to do it with. I’d love to find someone who’d go hiking with me or maybe even join a bowling league together.
For first dates, I’d much rather do something than sit across from each other at dinner conducting what feels like a job interview. Let’s go bowling, play mini golf, wander somewhere interesting, compete at something, laugh at each other, and actually have some fun.
Relationship-wise, I’m affectionate. I love physical affection, but I’m equally happy just existing together. Give me a night where we’re both couch potatoes watching terrible TV, playing a co-op game, cuddling, talking about absolutely nothing, and occasionally giving each other shit, and I’m pretty content.
I’m also a big texter. I don’t expect someone to spend every waking moment talking to me, and I actually think having our own lives is healthy. What matters to me is reciprocity. I want to feel wanted, too. Send me the good-morning text sometimes. Invite me somewhere before I get the chance to ask you. Flirt with me. Show me that you’re excited to talk to me. I’m more than happy to put effort into someone—I just don’t want to feel like I’m perpetually trying to convince someone to be interested in me.
As for what I’m looking for, personality wins over everything else. Obviously physical attraction matters, but give me someone who’s honest, fun, affectionate and can make me laugh and I’m going to notice her. Playful/bratty energy is also entirely welcome. If you can dish it out, though, you should probably expect it back.
I don’t have children, but I’m completely open to dating someone who does. I am serious about wanting a family of my own eventually. I don’t drink, occasionally partake in weed to relax, and hard-drug use is really my only major dealbreaker.
Physically, I’m 5’10”, rocking a bit of a dad bod, have some tattoos, and my hairstyle is generally determined by whatever happened while I was sleeping. There’s a picture of me on my profile, so you don’t have to wonder whether I’m secretly three raccoons in a trench coat.
I’m an animal person, especially dogs, and if life cooperates I’ll pretty much always have one around.
I’m ideally hoping to meet someone reasonably close to NYC because I’d like this to eventually exist outside of our phones. That said, I’m not going to throw away a genuinely great connection just because there’s some distance involved.
And since every Reddit post apparently needs some sort of test to prove you actually read this far, I’ll give you three choices:
Tell me what you’re currently reading, challenge me to a game of bowling, or send me a picture of something hanging crooked on your wall and allow me to demonstrate my completely useless superpower of immediately noticing it.
Bonus useless talent: I can count to 100 ridiculously fast.
I know. Try to contain yourself.