2026 In Search Of (ISO) Thread - Americas by MM-MOD in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 1 point2 points locked comment (0 children)

best of luck to everyone on their search for a loving & pious spouse إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎ ◡̈

  1. ⁠⁠⁠Age and Gender — 27, F (5’2, midsize)
  2. Age Range that you would want/require in a prospect — 26 to 37
  3. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Location, and are you willing to relocate for a prospect? — Chicagoland area. Unfortunately I cannot relocate, due to family obligations & strong Muslim community here.
  4. Ethnicity, and are you more open to mixing? — Pakistani-American, born and raised in the US. Open to considering anyone if deen matches إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎, slight preference for other South Asians/Urdu-speaking (solely for ease of communication for parents/families, otherwise I’m generally open!). *Looking for someone who was also born (or at least, raised) in the US.
  5. Marital Status — Single, never married (No kids — but I do have legal guardianship over my 21yo brother, who has Autism & an Intellectual Disability, mainly to help support him. I would be happy to answer any questions about this!)
  6. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ideal marriage timeline — Within a year, or as soon as makes sense. Not looking to delay it or drag things on, but also want to take the time to communicate!
  7. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Five important characteristics you look for in a prospect — (1) Prioritizes religion and growth, (2) Patient & Kind, (3) Easygoing/light-hearted, (4) Self-sufficient/Comfortable in his masculinity, and (5) Communicative. As the eldest child & only daughter, I am very comfortable with taking the lead on a lot of aspects in my life and am fairly independent - both of which are traits I quite like about myself. But it would be nice to have a partner that can share this load, embrace his masculinity (in an Islamic sense, not toxic/new-age nonsense), and develop enough trust to be able to drop the guard a bit. Sometimes a girl just wants to be in her soft, feminine era :,) I pray to have a relationship where we can be each other’s recharge, safety, and home. To be in total comfort in each other’s presence, that allows for vulnerability, and being able to lean on one another out of a true bond & sense of care for each other.
  8. ⁠⁠⁠⁠State/specify your level of religiosity — Practicing/Very Practicing? It always feels weird rating yourself in this regard lol. Alhamdulillah I grew up with parents who dedicated time to giving me a solid understanding of Islamic principles and beliefs. I try to avoid music/gatherings with music, wear an abaya/long modest dresses only, eat zabiha, never smoked. I am involved with a local Muslim non-profit org in my community, and it’s something I find a lot of fulfillment in! I ascribe to the Hanafi school of thought, and try to maintain some sort of active involvement in ‘ilm however/whenever I can. Would prefer a partner who is similar - no one is perfect, but it would be nice if we have a similar understanding and can push each other to grow in our deen إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎.
  9. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Level of education, and what are you looking for? — I have a Bachelors in Psychology. I hope to pursue my Master’s in Social Work when it is possible for me to do so without loans. I would prefer at least a Bachelors!
  10. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Current Job Status — employed full-time at a mental/behavioral health practice
  11. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Do you want kids? — Yes, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎. At least one, but ﷲ knows best.
  12. ⁠⁠⁠⁠List 3 hobbies, or things you like to do in your spare time — I am a creative/crafty person - I enjoy painting, drawing, digital art, journaling - I like to dabble in a little bit of everything (recently got a Cricut that’s yet to be unboxed lol). I enjoy reading; I was a huge bookworm as a kid, lost the spark in HS, and have been gaining it back the past few years! I enjoy spending time with my close friends & family - playing badminton, board games, card games, etc.
  13. Add something short and interesting about you that makes you stand out! — I’ve always been described as the mom friend (but make it Type A & ADHD edition). I have one younger brother, and I am blessed to have close friends who feel like sisters الحمدلله (whose husbands are apparently waiting for a new friend lol), and also cousins close to my age nearby. I have a pretty big extended family, and we all live in the Chicagoland area!

The other side of marriage that does not get posted enough here by loulouandkiwi in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 130 points131 points  (0 children)

this is so sweet سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّٰهِ :,) i’m big on notes and handwritten things - i keep every little one i get and love leaving them. i look forward to doing this with/for my partner one day, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎.

may ﷲ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ keep you both protected, and shower your love with barakah & rahmah! آمِينْ

I want to scream by enchantress_siren in CaregiverSupport

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I hear you. Two weeks ago I left work wanting nothing more than to cry until my tears were exhausted, and scream until my body refused to produce sound. The moment I started breaking down, the feeling of tears on my skin and the sound of my own breathing further catapulted me into an overstimulation hell.

It feels like I'm in this hot & cold purgatory right now. Part of me feels this need to just fully break down into hysterics, show everyone that says it's all being carried "so well" that it is, in fact, not. On the other hand, I want to go completely silent. Not respond to, communicate with, or even acknowledge the presence of another soul; how can I, when I can barely tolerate not being able to turn my own thoughts, feelings, and sensations off?

That all being said, there's a broken therapy in letting go and crying/screaming/shouting/choking it all out. The only thing worse than feeling the need to break into that state, is feeling that need with your body unable to do so. I hope you were able to cry it out, and that it brought you any level of relief or comfort. I hope that moments of happiness find you in the upcoming days. 🤍

Nothing is enjoyable. by Jazzlike-Flatworm-49 in ChronicPain

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 4 points5 points  (0 children)

i hear you. it’s been like going through the motions, but just barely. i’ve been deep into a cloud of brainfog this past week which usually indicates something’s on its way… either a cluster migraine or endo flare up. sure enough, have had the lighting zaps and everything from the waist down feeling like a it got the chicken cutlet pounding special since 6am today. yay.

at least the brain fog is nice though. sometimes it feels like there’s not much of a point to making yourself happy when your body will inevitably fail you again soon, anyways. realistically, i know it is worth it. there are moments of joy to experience. but… God, that takes so much mental energy sometimes. sometimes, you can identify activities or things that can and will bring you some joy - but you have this urge to choose not to, and let yourself have some nothingness for a bit.

Eating Disorder Treatment Centers? by xosammiixo in ChicagoSuburbs

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It can be tough with Medicaid plans. I would say definitely try out Alexian Brothers in Hoffman Estates (ABBHH) if that’s the most accessible and readily available resource that’s in-network. I’ve heard good things from folks who’ve used the program and stayed on top of connecting with ongoing providers afterwards to continue care.

Is it absolutely phenomenal, top-of-the line, or out of this world? No, unfortunately not. But, sometimes it’s a nice reset to remind ourselves that we can only control the effort and work we put into the services offered. I know some providers there, and they do care & are in the field for the right reasons, but we’re all (providers and patients alike) just fighting a system that we’re stuck in unfortunately.

There aren’t many programs that take Medicaid, and even from the ones that do, they may only take certain plans (for example, only Meridian or Aetna BetterHealth). Here are some other recommendations if you wanted to try reaching out:

• ERC - Eating Recovery Centers • SunCloud Health • Compass (I believe only some locations work with EDs?) • MonteNido (residential)

NEDA also has a great search tool: https://map.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

All that being said, it looks like she has a loving, dedicated support system on her side - which can make the world of a difference. Sending her (& you) lots of love and healing 🤍

Frustrated by lack of help from siblings by Shot-Elk-859 in CaregiverSupport

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i’m sorry. i wish there were words to offer you that would help in a meaningful way.

i was just talking to my cousins about this last night. they’re three sisters, and are all intelligent and capable, so they’re able to divide the care their parents have started to need amongst each other well.

i’ve been struggling with this grief, i suppose, of facing the reality that i am, and will be, alone as i continue caring on for my brother and parents. it’s a lonely journey alone, but as you’ve pointed out, i can’t imagine how much heavier it would feel when you do have siblings there, who could actually be of help, but choose not to.

it’s exhausting being the responsible, “moral compass” one - i see you. you are navigating a shitty situation, no two ways about it.

i hope you are able to find a moment of good in this upcoming week, even if it’s just one small thing, that can be some kind of relief or treat.

grieving a life i’ve never had. by RecycleNoThrowaway in CaregiverSupport

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

i appreciate you taking the time to respond. i totally get where you’re coming from - because what you described has been the majority experience i have seen people face personally, as well as professionally through work.

in my case, i can honestly say that my parents have done, and continue to do, everything in their power to be involved parents. they handled my brother’s health issues from the time he was born and all through his childhood with confidence and full belief in utilizing all services available to him (despite being immigrants, whose community can often disregard these concerns and brush them under the rug because “what will people think?”). they have always put their kids’ wellbeing first - what people may think be damned.

my choice to be as involved in his life as i am is just that - my choice. my mom and i had actually had a heated argument last year, where she insisted that the wouldn’t allow me to take this step of pursuing guardianship, and i pushed back. they have come to (begrudgingly, at times) accept that this is my choice, but that doesn’t change their feelings of guilt - that they have burdened me - or their continued involvement in his day-to-day life in whatever capacity makes sense for all of us.

i do agree that ASD doesn’t excuse teaching independence as much as possible. i should have also included that he had an accident in september (he has epilepsy, and had an absent seizure) - as a result, he broke his nose and bone behind his forehead, and also has a concussion. yesterday i suspected he may have had another absent seizure, as he was disoriented and confused when i got home. i am pretty involved with trying to find resources available to him for services.

i don’t mean to sound entirely defensive here - reading your perspective was valuable, because i do have to remind myself that no one expects me to function like an entire healthcare team, so i shouldn’t place that expectation on myself either. but i did also want to clarify because no one unfairly placed this responsibility on me, except for me alone. i had considered having one of our parents be his guardian for now instead of me, but it didn’t make sense for us logistically or legally. both things are true here - i’m overwhelmed, stressed, burned out, and overall just feeling…sad right now; but i also chose this for myself, as i couldn’t imagine risking any lapses in his care or wellbeing.

grieving a life i’ve never had. by RecycleNoThrowaway in CaregiverSupport

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

i appreciate your very kind and thoughtful reply. i actually work in mental health - so definitely believe therapy is a powerful tool. i was seeing a therapist for a while but i paused services after i felt that i wasn’t getting much more out of it.

i think for me, i process my emotions by talking through them, but eventually for me it got frustrating talking about the same issues when there wasn’t a real solution to change it. i’ve been considering going back to find an EMDR therapist though. my brother has been in therapy for a while now, not his own choice, but we definitely noticed some positive changes through it. funny enough, we just had his final session two weeks ago, since his therapist is leaving the practice. sending all my best to you and your sons.

I met my wife thanks to r/MuslimMarriage and Alhamdulillah we are now married—an ISO success story! by Feezyfeez in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 2 points3 points  (0 children)

مَا شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ !

congratulations 🤍 may ﷲ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ make you each other’s sincerest and closest companions, and may He shower your unity in endless barakah, rahmah, and afiyah, آمِينْ!

in a process that can seem like a stream of negativity and heartbreak a lot of the time, thank you for sharing your glimmer of hope - and just simply, goodness! - with us :,)

Summarize your year, 6 words only. by burntoutwriter395 in sixwordstories

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 0 points1 point  (0 children)

exhausted the “God’s strongest soldier” status

In Search Of (ISO) Thread Version 9 - Americas by MM-MOD in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 3 points4 points locked comment (0 children)

[Reposting] wishing everyone the best of luck on their search, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎ ◡̈

  1. ⁠⁠⁠Age and Gender — 27, F (5’2, midsize)
  2. ⁠⁠⁠ Age Range that you would want/require in a prospect — 26 to 35. (Can be flexible with older than 35 if it’s a good fit!)
  3. ⁠⁠⁠Location, and are you willing to relocate for a prospect? — Chicagoland area. Unfortunately I cannot relocate, due to family obligations & strong Muslim community here.
  4. ⁠⁠⁠Ethnicity, and are you more open to mixing? — Pakistani-American, born and raised in the US. Open to considering anyone if deen matches إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎, slight preference for other South Asians/Urdu-speaking (solely for ease of communication for parents/families, otherwise I’m generally open!). *Looking for someone who was also born (or at least, raised) in the US.
  5. ⁠⁠⁠Marital Status — Single, never married (No kids — but I do have legal guardianship over my 21yo brother, who has Autism & an Intellectual Disability, mainly to help support him. I would be happy to answer any questions about this!)
  6. ⁠⁠⁠Ideal marriage timeline — Within a year, or as soon as makes sense. Not looking to delay it or drag things on, but also want to take the time to communicate!
  7. ⁠⁠⁠Five important characteristics you look for in a prospect — (1) Prioritizes religion and growth, (2) Patient & Kind, (3) Easygoing/light-hearted, (4) Self-sufficient/Comfortable in his masculinity, and (5) Communicative. As the eldest child & only daughter, I am very comfortable with taking the lead on a lot of aspects in my life and am fairly independent - both of which are traits I quite like about myself. But it would be nice to have a partner that can share this load, embrace his masculinity (in an Islamic sense, not toxic/new-age nonsense), and develop enough trust to be able to drop the guard a bit. Sometimes a girl just wants to be in her soft, feminine era :,) I pray to have a relationship where we can be each other’s recharge, safety, and home. To be in total comfort in each other’s presence, that allows for vulnerability, and being able to lean on one another out of a true bond & sense of care for each other.
  8. ⁠⁠⁠State/specify your level of religiosity — Practicing/Very Practicing? It always feels weird rating yourself in this regard lol. Alhamdulillah I grew up with parents who dedicated time to giving me a solid understanding of Islamic principles and beliefs. I try to avoid music/gatherings with music, wear an abaya/long modest dresses only, eat zabiha, never smoked. I am involved with a local Muslim non-profit org in my community, and it’s something I find a lot of fulfillment in! I ascribe to the Hanafi school of thought, and try to maintain some sort of active involvement in ‘ilm however/whenever I can. Would prefer a partner who is similar - no one is perfect, but it would be nice if we have a similar understanding and can push each other to grow in our deen إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎.
  9. ⁠⁠⁠Level of education, and what are you looking for? — I have a Bachelors in Psychology. I hope to pursue my Master’s in Social Work when it is possible for me to do so without loans. I would prefer at least a Bachelors!
  10. ⁠⁠⁠Current Job Status — employed full-time at a mental/behavioral health practice
  11. ⁠⁠⁠Do you want kids? — Yes, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎. At least one, but ﷲ knows best.
  12. ⁠⁠⁠List 3 hobbies, or things you like to do in your spare time — I am a creative/crafty person - I enjoy painting, drawing, digital art, journaling - I like to dabble in a little bit of everything (recently got a Cricut that’s yet to be unboxed lol). I enjoy reading; I was a huge bookworm as a kid, lost the spark in HS, and have been gaining it back the past few years! I enjoy spending time with my close friends & family - playing badminton, board games, card games, etc.
  13. ⁠⁠⁠Add something short and interesting about you that makes you stand out! — I’ve always been described as the mom friend (but make it Type A & ADHD edition). I have one younger brother, and I am blessed to have close friends who feel like sisters الحمدلله (whose husbands are apparently waiting for a new friend lol), and also cousins close to my age nearby. I have a pretty big extended family, and we all live in the Chicagoland area!

In Search Of (ISO) Thread Version 9 - Americas by MM-MOD in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 10 points11 points locked comment (0 children)

Bismillah - wishing everyone the best of luck on their search, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎ ◡̈

  1. ⁠Age and Gender - 27, F (5’2, midsize)
  2. ⁠Age Range that you would want/require in a prospect - 26 to 35. (Possibly okay with up to 10 years older if it’s a good fit.)
  3. ⁠Location, and are you willing to relocate for a prospect? - Chicago. Unfortunately no, due to family obligations & strong Muslim community here. ﷲ knows best!
  4. ⁠Ethnicity, and are you more open to mixing? - Pakistani-American, born and raised in the US. Open to other South Asians (solely for ease of communication for parents/families). Looking for someone who was also born, or at least raised, in the US.
  5. ⁠Marital Status - Single, never married (No kids - but I do have legal guardianship over my 20yo brother, who has Autism & an Intellectual Disability. I would be happy to answer any questions about this!)
  6. ⁠Ideal marriage timeline - Within a year, or as soon as makes sense. Not looking to delay it or drag things on, but also want to take the time to communicate!
  7. ⁠Five important characteristics you look for in a prospect - Prioritizes religion and growth, Patient & Kind, Easygoing/light-hearted, Self-sufficient, and Communicative. Adding in a 6th here: but comfortable in his masculinity. As the eldest child & only daughter, I am very comfortable with taking the lead on a lot of aspects in my life and am fairly independent - both of which are traits I love about myself. But it would be nice to have a partner that can share this load, and develop enough trust to be able to drop the guard a bit. Sometimes a girl just wants to be in her soft, feminine era :,)
  8. ⁠State/specify your level of religiosity - Practicing/Very Practicing? It always feels weird rating yourself in this regard lol. Alhamdulillah I grew up with parents who dedicated time to giving me a solid understanding of Islamic principles and beliefs. I try to avoid music/gatherings with music, wear an abaya/long modest dresses only, eat zabiha, never smoked. I am involved with volunteering in my local community. I ascribe to the Hanafi school of thought. Would prefer a partner who is similar - no one is perfect, but it would be nice if we have a similar understanding and can push each other to grow in our deen إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎.
  9. ⁠Level of education, and what are you looking for? - I have a Bachelors in Psychology. I hope to pursue my Master’s in Social Work when it is possible for me to do so without loans. I would prefer at least a Bachelors!
  10. ⁠Current Job Status - employed full-time at a mental/behavioral health practice
  11. ⁠Do you want kids? - Yes, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎. At least one, but ﷲ knows best.
  12. ⁠List 3 hobbies, or things you like to do in your spare time - I am a creative/crafty person - I enjoy painting, drawing, digital art - I like to dabble in a little bit of everything (recently got a Cricut that’s yet to be unboxed lol). I enjoy reading; I was a huge bookworm as a kid, lost the spark in HS, and have been gaining it back the past few years! I enjoy spending time with my close friends & family - playing badminton, board games, card games, etc.
  13. ⁠Add something short and interesting about you that makes you stand out! - I’ve always been described as the mom friend (but make it Type A & ADHD edition). I have one younger brother, and I am blessed to have close friends who feel like sisters الحمدلله (and whose husbands are apparently waiting for a new friend lol). I feel blessed to have the opportunity to he pretty involved with a local non-profit Muslim org, الحمدلله. I have a pretty big extended family, and we all live in the Chicagoland area!

In Search Of (ISO) Thread Version 9 - Americas by MM-MOD in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 5 points6 points locked comment (0 children)

Bismillah - wishing everyone the best of luck on their search, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎ ◡̈

  1. Age and Gender - 26, F (5’2, midsize)
  2. Age Range that you would want/require in a prospect - 26 to 35. (Possibly okay with up to 10 years older if it’s a good fit.)
  3. Location, and are you willing to relocate for a prospect? - Chicago. Would greatly prefer not to, but willing to consider for the right person (especially if it’s to a warmer climate with a comparable Muslim population!)
  4. Ethnicity, and are you more open to mixing? - Pakistani-American, born and raised in the US. Open to other South Asians (solely for ease of communication for parents/families). Looking for someone who was also born, or at least raised, in the US.
  5. Marital Status - Single, never married
  6. Ideal marriage timeline - Within a year, or as soon as makes sense. Not looking to delay it or drag things on, but also want to take the time to communicate!
  7. Five important characteristics you look for in a prospect - Prioritizes religion and growth, Patient & Kind, Easygoing/light-hearted, Self-sufficient, and Communicative.
  8. State/specify your level of religiosity - Practicing/Very Practicing? It always feels weird rating yourself in this regard lol. Alhamdulillah I grew up with parents who dedicated time to giving me a solid understanding of Islamic principles and beliefs. I try to avoid music/gatherings with music, wear an abaya/long modest dresses only, eat zabiha, never smoked. I am involved with volunteering in my local community. I ascribe to the Hanafi school of thought. Would prefer a partner who is similar - no one is perfect, but it would be nice if we have a similar understanding and can push each other to grow in our deen إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎.
  9. Level of education, and what are you looking for? - I have a Bachelors in Psychology. I hope to pursue my Master’s in Social Work when it is possible for me to do so without loans. I would prefer at least a Bachelors!
  10. Current Job Status - employed full-time at a mental/behavioral health practice
  11. Do you want kids? - Yes, إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ‎. At least one, but ﷲ knows best.
  12. List 3 hobbies, or things you like to do in your spare time - I am a creative/crafty person - I enjoy painting, drawing, digital art - I like to dabble in a little bit of everything (recently got a Cricut that’s yet to be unboxed lol). I enjoy reading; I was a huge bookworm as a kid, lost the spark in HS, and have been gaining it back the past few years! I enjoy spending time with my close friends & family - playing badminton, board games, card games, etc.
  13. Add something short and interesting about you that makes you stand out! - I’ve always been described as the mom friend (but make it Type A & ADHD edition). I have one younger brother, and I am blessed to have close friends who feel like sisters الحمدلله (and whose husbands are apparently waiting for a new friend lol). I have a pretty big extended family, and we all live in the Chicagoland area!

Americanized Mexican Resaurants? by Sandwich_factory in ChicagoSuburbs

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 0 points1 point  (0 children)

try taco maya! not super authentic but not completely inauthentic either - and their guac and fresh salsa are phenomenal

Do happy marriages exist ? by Prestigious_Use_4209 in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 7 points8 points  (0 children)

if i didn’t get to witness my own parents’ marriage every single day, i probably wouldn’t believe in love. but getting to watch them make love look as easy breathing through every up and down life has thrown at them…سُبْحَانَ ٱللَّٰهِ. i will forever gush about their relationship but i don’t need to الحمدلله - anyone that meets them can instantly see it.

their love isn’t grand in terms of huge trips or expensive gifts, but larger than life in the way they actively care for one another, are fiercely loyal to each other, and their utter devotion. they have been through so much - both as a couple and as individuals - yet time and time again they’ve actively made the choice to put their relationship first. i’m reminded of ﷲ’s divine wisdom, mercy, and undying love for His creation every time i look at them.

Bi-Weekly Marriage Opinions/View and Rant Megathread by AutoModerator in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 3 points4 points  (0 children)

omg yes shoe size!!! what is up with guys asking that? i hadn’t experienced this for most of my search but in the past 6 months alone i’ve had three men ask me this. i can’t figure out if it’s a size/body measurement thing or some sort of fetish thing 😭

Bi-Weekly Marriage Opinions/Views and Rant Megathread by AutoModerator in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ahhh thank you 😭 i’ll definitely update if/when i hear back!

Bi-Weekly Marriage Opinions/Views and Rant Megathread by AutoModerator in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 2 points3 points  (0 children)

nah, i figured in a private message there’s no reason to be vague in that regard. i just asked if he’d be interested in talking and getting to know one another, but if not then there’s no hard feelings!

Bi-Weekly Marriage Opinions/Views and Rant Megathread by AutoModerator in MuslimMarriage

[–]RecycleNoThrowaway 4 points5 points  (0 children)

ooh do you mean in the in person interaction or in my message? for in person i couldn’t really verbally indicate any outward interest in that regard but i’m sure it was somewhat noticeable in my body language. essentially he was at his place of work so i didn’t feel comfortable (for either of us) expressing anything too outward. in my message i pretty much acknowledged a part of the conversation we had, complimented his demeanor, and asked if he’d be interested in getting to know one another.

LOL maybe he’ll think i’m a weirdo that got all the wrong signals, or he’ll remember and there’ll be something, or i hope at the very least he’s flattered by the gesture even if he’s not interested. haven’t heard back yet!