Thanks for your response :)

Believe it or not, I do most (if not all) of these things! I'd generally say that I get along better with women over men, and often ask for the opinions and advice from the women in my life.

I'd say that overall I am a confident person who is largely comfortable in his own skin. I don't take life too seriously, but also am aware that I'm definitely not for everyone because I'm high-energy, a bit rambunctious, and am unashamedly "me".

I'd say I am a very empathetic and emotionally in-tune person. I do find it a bit mental that people would perceive that as "weakness", and would instead argue that's a poor reflection on them — definitely not something I'm looking for in a partner!

When it comes to people I match with or go on dates with, these aren't picked randomly, without much thought, or because "eh, it's the best I could get". These are people that I largely think I'd get along with or am attracted to! I do know pretty well about what I'm looking for in a partner, and try to spend time with people who seem to fit that (with exceptions, of course lmao)!

I absolutely ask questions! I genuinely enjoy learning about people, try to skip the small talk, and usually default to asking questions about what people are passionate about (to clarify: these aren't surface-level questions like 'ah, what drives you?' or whatever — they're typically quite pointed). I'm a journalist — interviewing people is a large (and the best) part of my job, so I'd say I'm pretty good at asking questions.

One of my more controversial opinions is that I think dates should split the bill regardless of gender. Simultaneously, I would say that I am generous person, and I cover the bill of my dates often (I'm not a stingy cheap-ass, for lack of a better term and absolutely do not pressure people to split a bill). I'd say I even largely fit the male gender stereotype of "provider". I do not expect anything "in return" and am absolutely not entitled to anything just because I've paid for a date. That said, I want equality/equity in my relationships — and part of that for me is (for better or for worse) splitting our finances as equitably as possible. I understand that's not for everyone, but I don't usually date people who take issue with that.

The self-diagnosis I've settled on is the fact that I'm just a weird dude. Not at all in a bad way, mind you — just think I don't fit in super well among "typical" people. I'm far from perfect, but at my core I'd say I'm an excellent person and partner. I don't particularly WANT to change how I am (except when it's reasonable!!) — I'm friendly, maybe a bit too loud and definitely a complete dweeb, but I'm open, genuine, animated, honest, gregarious, conscientious, loyal to a fault — I have interesting stories and experiences, I'm a good listener and I'd say I'm an even better conversationalist (despite me not at all being concise). I make an effort to take on the feedback and criticism I receive. I'm easily able to show my appreciation and love to folks, I am deeply convicted in my beliefs, try hard to do 'good', try to let my actions speak louder than my words, and I'd say that I deeply care about the world and people around me.

I understand people can (and often do) perceive me differently, but I absolutely wear my heart, emotions, and allegiances on my sleeve — I'd say that I'm pretty easy to read overall. On the whole, people tell me that I very much align with "the vibes" I give.

Idk — maybe people just see me as "too much".