# Mark's on the Market :star2: :::success **Looking For** A kind-hearted, thoughtful introvert/ambivert who wants kids in the near future, values deep friendships over large social circles, and brings emotional warmth and genuine presence to life. Extra points if you appreciate wit, grew up in a close-knit community, and choose cozy evenings over packed social calendars. ::: Hey there! If you're here for a meaningful connection, or you know someone who is, you're in the right place. And Mom, if you're reading this - yes, I'm looking. <img title="It's me!" src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/S1f69na_p.jpg" style="max-width: 350px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> [<img title="All Photos" src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HJj2j4lt6.jpg" style="max-width: 350px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" />](#All-Photos) :::info :zap: **Snapshot** - **Age**: 43 - **Height**: 6'1" - tall enough to reach the top shelf. - **Background**: Tech whisperer and psych nerd. Fluent in tech jargon, psychobabble, and a second language. - **Education**: Attended a school famous for Nobel laureates and midnight pizza places. Guess which one contributed more to my education. - **Quirks**: Dual-dimpled American; casual time traveler between coasts; hopelessly reliant on GPS for directions; champion of dates (the fruit kind). - **Simple Pleasures**: Strong coffee, tasty food, hammocks, scenic vistas, good company, and bad puns. ::: ## A Journey in Search of a Partner in Adventure, Wit, and Heart A little about me: I'm a successful tech entrepreneur with deep training in psychology (IFS), a love of learning, and a penchant for healthy(ish) living. My life is marked by meaningful gestures, like helping my immigrant parents secure a comfortable home in NYC, and by simple pleasures, like crafting the perfect breakfast bowl or losing myself in a good book or deep/ridiculous conversation. Travel often includes visiting friends, reflecting my belief in a life that balances service to others with taking care of ourselves. My journey from tech to therapy - and embracing the bumps along the way - means I'm great at debugging code and, on occasion, my own life choices. I navigate life with a sense of humor, favoring wit and whimsy, and have a soft spot for puns, playful banter, and inside jokes. My dream with a future partner? To build a life rich in trust, connection, and shared experiences. Think cozy dinner parties with friends, exploring charming new cities and breathtaking vistas, and making a home that's our personal retreat, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Picture lazy Saturday mornings, cultivating our garden or lost in conversation over coffee, and a living room alive with laughter and deep chats. Evenings might be spent enjoying the latest show in town or sharing our thoughts under the stars. Growing a family is close to my heart - I'm ready to embark on the joy and journey of parenthood for the first time, shared with a loving partner. And yes, I'm also pretty good at the practical stuff, like assembling IKEA furniture without (many) leftover pieces. I'm looking for a life teammate - someone who values a warm, curious home and looks forward to growing together in every way. If this resonates with you, I'd love to meet. And if you know someone who might be a great match, I'd be thrilled if you could share this with them. Your intuition might just spark a lifetime connection. ## Contents [toc] ## A Glimpse Into My Personality <img title="Of books and photo ops." src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r1A5ihT_p.jpg" style="max-width: 340px; padding-bottom:10px; padding-right:3px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> If you're curious about what makes me tick, here's a quick peek into my personality: - **Reliable and Organized**. I'm big on staying organized and keeping commitments. I'm open to life's spontaneous moments, but I don't love everyday chaos. Looking for a partner who values trust and reliability as much as I do. And while I strive to be organized, my kitchen island countertop often tells a more "creative" story. - **Respectful and Open**. I approach others with courtesy and value open, honest communication. In a relationship, I appreciate a partner who doesn't shy away from meaningful discussions, even on tough subjects, with empathy and respect. - **Curiously Grounded**. My curiosity drives me, but it's balanced with a fondness for stability and tradition. I'm not one for impulsiveness or seeking novelty for its own sake. In a partner, I look for someone who shares this blend of curiosity and appreciation for the stable aspects of life. - **Calm and Composed**. Generally keeping a calm and self-assured demeanor, I value emotional stability in myself and seek the same in a partner. While life has its ups and downs, I thrive best with someone who also navigates life with a composed and resilient spirit. - **Socially Balanced**. As an extroverted introvert, I come alive in deep one-on-one conversations or intimate group settings. I'd rather have a mile-deep connection with 5 people than an inch-deep connection with 5,000. At large social gatherings? You might find me eventually sneaking away for a moment of peace, or maybe making a new canine friend in the corner. ## Lifestyle and Vision for the Future <img title="When food prep slows down because you're eating the ingredients." src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BJT1hnaOT.jpg" style="max-width: 340px; padding-bottom:10px; padding-right:3px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> In life, I prioritize balance and have a keen eye on the future. My everyday is filled with activities that enrich the soul and sharpen the mind, fostering a foundation for the kind of family life I aspire to. Here's a sample: - I have some family history with chess and am carrying on the tradition (if not the natural talent). I'm excited to share this love for strategy and playful competition with the next generation someday. - In the kitchen, I'm all about wholesome, plant-forward meals that fuel body and soul. Cooking is an art and a science that I look forward to exploring with a partner and eventually, as a family ritual. And when cooking experiments go awry, there's always takeout. - I enjoy unwinding with a good book :books:. Whether it's getting lost in the twists and turns of _The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle_ or exploring the thought-provoking ideas in _Man's Search for Meaning_, my reading list is pretty eclectic. I've even mastered the art of brushing my teeth while listening to audiobooks (mental flossing alongside the regular kind). - Staying active is key for me, not just for personal health but as a pillar for an active family life - from piggyback rides to winning at tag (pro tip: always be "it"). I envision days filled with outdoor adventures (admittedly I'm closer to the "glamping" end of the spectrum), and while I personally don’t drink for health reasons, I enjoy the social aspect of gatherings. - I'm pet-less at the moment, but I used to have a floofy long-haired cat named Beyoncé - for a diva, she was a real sweetheart. I’m open to the joy of future furry family members or content with a pet-free life. - Beyond my daily routines, I enjoy traveling to visit friends and explore new places. These experiences are about more than just seeing new sights - they're opportunities to deepen friendships and embrace life’s variety. - Post-tech entrepreneur life has given me the freedom to focus on what truly matters. I've structured my work life to ensure I can be fully present for family, whether that's regular visits to my parents in NYC or, in the future, being an engaged partner and father. My career choices are guided by impact and meaning rather than financial necessity. This shift from Silicon Valley's hustle to psychotherapy isn't just a career change but an extension of my core self. It's about guiding others and growing myself - skills I believe are the bedrock of a caring partner and parent. This is just the prologue to the story I hope to write with a partner. It's about creating a future that's rich with shared experiences, values, and love. <img title="Should I ever go Full Eccentric and commission an oil painting, this shot will be on the shortlist." src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/S1Ccn3TOa.jpg" style="max-width: 340px; padding-bottom:3px; padding-right:3px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> ## Core Values and Life Priorities At the heart of who I am are the values that guide my everyday decisions and shape my vision for a partnership. Here's a glimpse into the principles and priorities that mean the most to me: - **Authenticity and Trust**. I prioritize authenticity and trust in all my relationships and value sincere connections, for both the small gestures (a raised eyebrow and a wry smile from across the room) and big commitments (having open, heart-to-heart conversations). - **Attunement and Presence**. In relationships, I value being in-sync and fully present, from sharing laughter to understanding silences - think less nodding along, more "I get you". Quality time is my top love language. - **Compassion and Empathy**. Compassion and empathy are my go-to's, from lending an ear after a tough day to cheering on each other's smallest wins. I believe these qualities weave a bond of trust and belonging. In a relationship, I'm all for this two-way street, building a connection that's deep and genuine. - **Cooperation and Respect**. I believe in tackling life’s challenges together, like that time we tried to set up a tent in the rain and ended up soaked, laughing under a flimsy tarp. When we're working together in these moments, the essence of mutual respect shines through. - **Curiosity and Growing Together**. I love learning. My curiosity once led me to discover a surprising family secret from a distant cousin. (Inquire within for details.) This thirst for knowledge isn't just about gathering information - it's about forming deeper emotional connections. I'm looking for a partner who treasures this kind of journey, one where our shared discoveries bring us closer together. Alongside these values, my life priorities include building and growing a loving family, maintaining personal health and well-being, and being a supportive figure in the lives of my loved ones. These values and priorities are the compass guiding me towards a more meaningful life rich in love, understanding, and shared experiences. ## Are We on the Same Page? :dart: *I'm seeking someone who:* - Is excited about having children in the near future. - Values genuine presence in everyday moments. - Finds more joy in deep one-on-one conversations than large gatherings. - Dreams of settling down in a more peaceful setting (whether that's a quieter city neighborhood with a community feel, a charming small town, or the countryside). - Prefers a calm, structured life with room for spontaneity and adventure. - Approaches life's challenges from a steady, grounded place. *We probably won't be a good match if you:* - See having children as a "maybe someday" possibility. - See pets as surrogate children (I love animals but believe pets should be pets). - Need a highly active social calendar to feel fulfilled. - Prioritize career advancement or self-discovery over building shared roots and family bonds. <br/> ## What I'm Looking For <img title="Precious li'l bundle." src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BJPrhnp_a.jpg" style="max-width: 340px; padding-bottom:10px; padding-right:3px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> Earlier I shared a snapshot of who I'm looking for. Let me expand on that with what I've learned through years of heartfelt conversations, misadventures in love, and growing clarity about what truly matters. I'm dating with intention and seeking a partner who sees finding a life teammate as a genuine priority, not just another task in a busy life. This isn't about ticking boxes - it's about building a life together with someone who resonates with these deeper qualities. To be direct: I'm seeking someone who has clarity about wanting marriage and children in the near future. If you see having kids as a "maybe someday" possibility, we probably won't be the right match. I value genuine connections and meaningful relationships over social media presence or status-seeking. I'm looking for a life partner who's ready to build something real together - someone who knows what they want and is excited to move forward when they find it. I appreciate that not everyone reading this will find themselves as a potential match, which is completely fine. If my story resonates with you or reminds you of a friend who might be a great fit, sharing this doc with them would mean a lot to me. - **Collaborative Partnership**. With a partner, I value collaboration over competition. I'm drawn to someone who embodies qualities like high conscientiousness, emotional stability, and genuine warmth & kindness - and I believe that soulmates are made, not found. I thrive in relationships where both people can give and receive emotional support equally, staying genuinely present and attentive with each other (even if one of us, *ahem*, occasionally gets carried away analyzing movie plots), building connection through our daily interactions and showing real curiosity about each other's worlds. If you approach life with thoughtful intention, cherish deep, meaningful connections, and are excited about the journey of building a loving family with a resilient spirit, our paths may be wonderfully aligned. - **Lifestyle and Ambitions**. I'm seeking someone who finds joy and fulfillment in life's simpler pleasures, like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or a sunset walk, rather than chasing after career trophies - and who doesn't mind if the coffee is less than perfect, as long as the conversation is good. My ideal match is someone who values emotional connection, family, and shared experiences more than professional achievements. She balances work with a strong commitment to family life and approaches adventures more for the joy of shared experiences than for the thrill of adrenaline. What matters most isn't just sharing similar interests or mindsets, but how we show up for each other day-to-day. - **Family-First Mindset**. I believe in building a "we before me" relationship that prioritizes the well-being of the family unit, where each partner's growth enhances the family bond. While self-discovery journeys can be fascinating, true fulfillment comes from nurturing a strong, supportive family, rather than chasing personal happiness or growth at the expense of the relationship. If you're looking for a co-adventurer in life's shared journey who cherishes family life in all its forms - from playful pancake mornings to cozy blanket fort evenings - that's more my style. Our shared dream? A nurturing home filled with laughter, love, shared values, and those priceless, quirky moments. - **Age and Life Stage Compatibility**. I'm at a stage in life where I'm ready for the joys and responsibilities of parenthood and building a family. I'm seeking a partner, ideally in the 27-37 age range, who is also ready to embark on this exciting life chapter. However, I believe that compatibility transcends numbers, and it's more about where we are in our life journeys and our shared aspirations for the future. For me, having biological children is a significant part of my vision for family life. - **Physical Connection**. If history is any guide, I seem to have a thing for light eyes and fair skin - a pattern I've noticed over the years. But of course, it's really that spark and deeper connection that light the way in a relationship. - **Health, Fitness, and Food**. A lifestyle that values health, fitness, and wholesome eating resonates deeply with me. I'm a fan of staying active, whether it's through regular workouts, embracing the outdoors, or indulging in plant-forward eating - and I won't say no to a kitchen dance-off while we cook a tasty meal. - **Love of Learning**. I'm intrigued by those who cherish the process of learning and growing, not just intellectually but emotionally. Whether it's mastering a new board game, debating the mysteries of the universe, diving into new hobbies, or exploring the world around us, these shared experiences can enrich our relationship. This isn't an exhaustive checklist, but rather a glimpse into the qualities that I find important. Above all, I'm seeking someone with whom I can build a life rich in understanding, care, and mutual growth - a partner who shares a vision of a future filled with love, support, and shared adventures. ## A Note on Geography and Mobility While I'm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, I make regular trips to New York City to visit family. My flexible lifestyle and work situation allow me to thrive almost anywhere - I've intentionally structured my life to prioritize what matters most: family, relationships, and finding the right place to put down roots. My ideal scenario involves settling down in a more relaxed setting, and I'm genuinely open to locations beyond my current home bases. I've become quite the expert at packing a suitcase - just don't ask me to fold a fitted sheet, that's still a mystery. The idea of meeting someone special and building a life together, whether it's in their hometown or a new place we choose together, is something I am very open to. Having achieved financial stability early in my career, I have the freedom to be truly intentional about where and how we build our future home. It's not just about a change of scenery but about finding the right person to share life's journey with. ## All Photos <img title="Of books and photo ops." src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r1A5ihT_p.jpg" style="max-width: 340px; padding-bottom:3px; padding-right:3px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> <img title="When food prep slows down because you're eating the ingredients." src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BJT1hnaOT.jpg" style="max-width: 340px; padding-bottom:3px; padding-right:3px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> <img title="Precious li'l bundle." src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BJPrhnp_a.jpg" style="max-width: 340px; padding-bottom:3px; padding-right:3px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> <img title="Should I ever go Full Eccentric and commission an oil painting, this shot will be on the shortlist." src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/S1Ccn3TOa.jpg" style="max-width: 340px; padding-bottom:3px; padding-right:3px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> <img title="Just three guys hanging out." src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/rJ9y6hpua.jpg" style="max-width: 340px; padding-bottom:3px; padding-right:3px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> <img title="My typical weekend attire." src="https://hackmd.io/_uploads/HkffTh6uT.jpg" style="max-width: 340px; padding-bottom:3px; padding-right:3px; height: auto; width: auto\9; /* IE8 */" /> ## Connect with Me Congratulations on reaching the end - I knew I liked you! If you've found something that sparks your interest or know someone who would, I'm all ears. It's all about making that initial connection - and I'm keen to see where our paths could cross. Go ahead and pass this along to anyone you think might click with it, or reach out yourself to kick things off. Great stories start with that simple "hello", and I’m eager to see where this one will lead. :::success :speech_balloon: To get in touch, email me at **<a href="mailto:letsdatemark@gmail.com">letsdatemark@gmail.com</a>**. Or send me a text at **<a href="sms:646-494-4590">646-494-4590</a>‬**. (And yep, that's a Google Voice number I use for privacy, so those green text bubbles are part of the charm.) :::