Lifetime lover of opera, dogs, and books

Describing oneself is nearly impossible to manage with any objective measure. So I asked close friends of mine what they would consider my defining characteristics. Outgoing: TOTAL shocker. I’m introverted by nature and it has taken me twenty years plus to train myself otherwise. I’m glad I put effort into it because it has opened many opportunities I might never have had. Still, I operate best one on one and sometimes require a minute to warm up. Humble (self-deprecating was another word used): So I’m not insecure but I don’t think I’m better in any respect than any other person in this world. We all have unique qualities that some may be attracted to and other not so much. The key is to strive to recognize commonalities we share. Start from there and refrain from judging yourself or others. Caring: when my mother passed away nearly ten years ago I was mystified how the world continues to turn and operate as if nothing had happpened. A seismic shift in my reality and it didn’t register anywhere in my day to day. So I learned that one never knows what happened to any other person five minutes before they encounter each other. I try my best to live this every single day: to have compassion , patience, and time (and if I don’t have it I try to make it) to care for friends and strangers alike who may need to feel not so alone. I’m most proud my friends recognized this and it is absolutely the foundation of who I strive to be. Talker: not a compliment. I talk a lot in general, nearly always have an opinion, a few I hold passionately and when I’m nervous it manifests even more. I become desperate to find common ground, a topic I can both contribute to and learn from. Paralyzing weakness for animals: animals have never let me down and I have felt committed to their welfare for as long as I can remember. My parents raised me to understand pets as equal members of our family. Family members that don’t have as much time on this earth as we do and deserve that much more love and joy. I’ll leave my pooches at home but if you don’t like animals, if you are or condone cruelty in any way to critters we will not get along. Observing a persons capacity to care for other species is a great first indicator of character. Although not all animal lovers are good people I can promise you I have NEVER met a single person who is dismissive or outright dislikes animals who IS a good person. So that’s the good, the bad, and ultimately not very helpful tip of the iceberg that is me. If you have questions, ask. I will not judge you and i strive to earn your trust.