Thewriterinblac, 64

i am a writer of science fiction and fantasy who lives with his daughter, three dogs, and two ferrets. my day job is in sci-tech. love goth and metal music. looking for friendship, dating, and we'll see what develops. i am trying to make "viking goth" a thing. hobbies include collecting knives and swords, shooting, and outdoor activities. also recently (re)started ice skating. my daughter wanted to try it and i found it's not like riding a bike. once learned, you do forget. so i've been taking lessons right alongside my daughter.

when it comes to personal interactions i have to main modes. one i term "deer in the headlighes." basically, i have no idea what to say. i freeze. i just have no clue what words should come out of my moutn. i have had folk tell me that this comes off as brusque or downright rude. i'm not intending to be it's just a combination of social anxiety and utter cluelessness causes me to freeze.

the second mode is when you get me going on a subject i'm passionate about. then, the problem is the exact opposite; getting me to shut up. i get motivated about the topic and that just takes over.

there's a minor mode i call "on stage presence" which is what i use when doing panels at sf conventions or the like. it's sort of a slightly toned down version of mode two, relying on the more formal structure of the venue to keep it under control.

the observant reader will note i'm lacking a mode for meeting and getting to know knew people. i can do the basic "hi." "how are you."nice day." but when it comes to getting beyond that i end up either freezing or i've been triggered into "mode two" and the person i'm talking to starts looking for exits.