Swynlake&#x27;s Got Mail!

Hi storyacoustic,

Oh Jules Verne is a classic! I read Around the World in 80 Days in uni, but none of his others. I suppose that one is the least sci-fi of his most famous works.

The former, though I definitely have busy weeks at work where I simply do not have time to pick up a book. From my understanding, you seem to have quite the demanding job, so it makes sense that you'd fall in the latter category. My work schedule ebbs and flows -- some weeks I'm ever so busy, but others it is quiet and sleepy. I suppose I make up for all the reading I don't do in the busy weeks during the quiet ones!

Do you enjoy your job? Is it something you've always wanted to do? Personally, I quite enjoy mine and it's been my dream since I was a child.

Best,

Bubbly

@storyacoustic

Bubblymolecule >> Explosivedoughnut

explosivedoughnut

Dear Bubblymolecule,

I'm sorry to hear that. But I think you're approaching this the right way. You've always gotta try to move on, even though things can be painful. I've had to go through that myself, though not in a romantic way, but it's still hard no matter what sort of relationship you've had.

I don't have a lot of romantic experience either. In fact, I've had even less than you, because I've never had any love story to speak of. I know, pretty sad, huh? So I thought I'd go ahead and give this a shot and see what happens!

From,

Explosivedoughnut

@bubblymolecule

Dear explosivedoughnut,

I don't think that's sad at all! Everyone moves at their own paces and I think society as a whole should stop prescribing to specific milestones. Especially when it comes to romantic relationships :)

I do hope you find a spark from this little experiment. It worked well for me last time, after all. Is there anything specific you're looking for in a potential partner?

Best,

bubblymolecule

@explosivedoughnut

#Explosivedoughnut

ruinedprada

Almost Missed Connection || BubblyPrada

ruinedprada

Bubblymolecule,

It's an interesting little experiment. Truthfully I didn't have very high expectations going in. After all, who actually finds love with something anonymous like this? Anyone can lie about who they are online. But even if my matches are lying, at least I am enjoying myself. I have a few that I am hopeful are in my inbox whenever I check it.

Do you have anyone that sticks out to you more than others?

xoxo,

RuinedPrada

@bubblymolecule

#<3 #briskthames #SO SWEET

Hi RuinedPrada,

There are a couple that come to mind immediately. The first and I are very in-sync. We seem to have the same priorities and interests and I just feel a lovely connection with them. They also seem to love dogs as much as I do, so that is a very nice bonus :)

The second, I connected with over our love of fashion and I'm also enjoying our conversation. They seem very high-energy and it's quite adorable. Though I'm not sure if I could match that in person! I suppose we will have to see.

Everyone else has been pleasant. I did request more connections, simply because I wanted more data points.

What about you? Anyone stick out to you so far?

Best,

Bubblymolecule

@ruinedprada

#BubblyPrada

briskthames

a cup left for @bubblymolecule at town hall

I hope you stay hydrated and healthy while you immerse yourself in your novels - briskthames

rn-deliabusby

flickr

Bubbly Greetings >>> Bubbly Spud

Dear Spudnik,

The idea of starting a family within the next two to three years was a possibility that seemed very real to me even just a few months ago with my previous partner. But the relationship ended due to life events outside both of our control. I put that out there to be candid and let you know where I am coming from.

To start a family, I would feel like I really need to trust my partner and be with them for at least a year. I am open to the possibility of having children within two to three years, but ultimately it does depend on how the relationship is going. I would not want to force just for the sake of having children. If that means taking a little longer to build that relationship, I am fine, but I get the sense that I am younger than you and might be more flexible on that end.

I am also quite career-driven. I've reached a point in my career where I've accomplished a lot and am pretty stable in terms of finances and relocation. But it is something very important to me that I would not compromise.

Those are the points where I feel we might differ, which I wanted to be very candid about.

However, I am very drawn to the idea of building a family and handing down traditions. To be candid again, I did not have much of that growing up, since my parents were not very close to my extended family and we moved around a lot. I love the possibility of family dinners and vacations and game nights and all of that.

In conclusion, I recognize that while might have similar goals, there might be some key differences -- namely the timeline of it all -- that we cannot reconcile. But if you are open to it, I would be down to continue our conversation. However, if there is someone you're messaging who is more in line with your timeline, I will take no offense if we decide to part ways here :)

Best,

bubblymolecule

@lonelyspudnik

Dear Bubbly,

You recently went through a break-up? How did you realize you were ready for this?

Sorry-- I know you just wrote me a very lovely and thoughtful message about your timeline and answered all my questions so thoroughly. It's just that first bit seems very...

Well, I went through a break-up recently too. And I wasn't sure if I should do this event. I'm still not sure if I should have done this event. So I suppose now I'm just wondering what made you decide.

Best,

Spudnik

Dear Spudnik,

Oh, no need to apologize at all.

In fact, I feel like I understand you a bit more now. But it was last month, and I do realize how hasty it seems for me to have jumped into this. Honestly, I did have my doubts. I went back and forth on it, not sure if I was ready.

Like yourself, I do want a committed relationship down the line and this seemed the most concrete way to actually get something done about that. I'm not one for Tinder or other superficial, hook-up centered, looks-based online dating.

Ultimately, though, I decided that even just testing the waters and reminding myself that there are other people out there would be a good thing. I wasn't expecting to find the next great love of my life from this, but I thought it would at least open my mind a little more, so I was not constantly thinking of my previous partner.

Now whether or not that is actually working is another story. Like you said, I'm still not sure if I should've done it. Because actually to be even more candid, my ex and I connected through this event last time.

But I've met a few interesting people and even if I'm not sure the romantic spark is there, I'm generally okay with myself for having signed up. Even if I still feel a little... well, heartbroken, I suppose.

I don't know if any of that made sense or if you are feeling a similar way. It is definitely bittersweet. I find myself doubting my own choices multiple times a day. Sometimes when I don't click with someone. Sometimes when I do.

Best,

bubblymolecule

@lonelyspudnik

#Bubbly Spud

Bubblymolecule >> Storyacoustic

Dear bubblymolecule,

I tend towards science fiction, if I am not reading something for work. I dunno if reading for work counts as a hobby. Haha.

I dunno about dashing, but I'll let you keep thinking that for my own ego, if that is okay. What kind of fashion do you like? Or is that too much of a giveaway. That's alright if it is, I suppose I can wait and be surprised.

And it's been okay! A little weird. I mean, I do have some experience living in a small town, but it is an adjustment every time. I am glad that is your experience, though. It is good to love where you live. Is Swynlake a permanent home for you?

storyacoustic

@bubblymolecule

Dear storyacoustic,

For now, it is. I came here for work and for now, it seems my career ambitions mean remaining in Swynlake. Which is good, because I quite like this town.

And I'm really into vintage fashion! I have a soft spot for 1950s and 60s designs -- not in a "I wish everything were like it was back then" way, but simply because I think they're the prettiest. I've gotten very good at thrift shopping and I've also learned to alter my clothes to get the fit I want, or to add some embellishments :)

Do you have a favorite sci-fi book? I'm always looking for recommendations -- and if the science itself is good, I'm even more sold.

Best,

bubblymolecule

@storyacoustic

Damn, I Love Swynlake || Luminous Molecule

@bubblymolecule,

I definitely romanticize my uni days, those were great, but I don't miss secondary school a bit! I was bullied for for I dressed, though luckily living in Swynlake not for my magic. But some people bullied me because of my brother, they didn't like him, some other kids. But I love my brother, we're best friends!

Oh good, I'm hoping I'm still somewhat ~~~mysterious~~~~ but I'm afraid I'm far too chatty to keep the mystery. I just want to tell you everything so you get a full picture of me because I'm enjoying talking to you. But the point is #mystery.

Do you know what your outfit for the reveal event will be?

~LS

Hi Seagull,

Haha, I totally understand. I'm a bit of a motormouth in person, so it's certainly been an exercise in restraint to not just spill all my life details.

As for my outfit... I'm undecided! Last time around, it was a masquerade, but I'm not sure if Town Hall is doing that this year? Either way, I definitely want to lean into the bubbles of it all. Not sure how to convey the molecule, though! What about you? Glowing feathers?

Best,

bubbly

@luminous-seagull

#Luminous Molecule

Some homemade dog treats left for @briskthames at Town Hall

Note attached:

A treat for your dog, till I get to meet you both in person :)

🩷bubbly

#briskthames

Bubblymolecule >> Storyacoustic

Dear bubblymolecule,

Baking, fashion, reading, and animals are all great options. I would say I share only reading and animals, though animals is a bit tentative. I do love them, but I am from the city, so getting used to small town life.

I also will happily consume baked goods. And I find fashion admirable, simply don't have time for it. And I am mostly in uniform. Does that give too much away?

If you've got a spreadsheet, more power to you. I wish I was that organized. I am out here purely vibing.

storyacoustic

@bubblymolecule

#Storyacoustic #bubblystory

Dear storyacoustic,

What sorts of books do you like to read? I like a lot of literary fiction, and have a soft spot for romance. I've dabbled a bit in fantasy and science-fiction, but only when the concept is intriguing enough to me.

Uniform certainly does not give much away -- though most uniformed jobs are inherently very prestigious and dashing, so I will certainly be associating you with those traits. I'm lucky that I can basically wear whatever I want to work (well, within reason), so I get a chance to show off my clothes.

How has adjusting to small town life been for you? Before Swynlake, my previous residence was a city, so I had to adjust a bit as well. But I have found I absolutely prefer it in a small town. It's nice to live somewhere where people know each other and lend a hand :)

Best,

bubblymolecule

@storyacoustic

Damn, I Love Swynlake || Luminous Molecule

@bubblymolecule

Hey Bubbly!

Boarding school? What was that like? I hope the horror stories weren't true for you!

Aw, I love that! ^_^ It's a nice home for a lot of people not from here, I like that about this place. I'm magick so while I did feel at home in [redacted], I definitely felt the different when I moved back here. I'm glad to be back and don't have any plans to leave. Though I work, if say, I got married and my husband/wife/spouse's job transferred them.

I can work anywhere with my job, there's always shortage in my industry! Nursing, teaching, or the trades, safe bets. Which, I just severely narrowed down what I do for a living but not too much I don't think.

~ LS

Hi Seagull,

Oh, I wish I had stories to counteract the boarding school myths, but in truth it was very lonely and I did not care for it at all haha. I received a superb education, but I was a rather awkward child so I never really made any friends. No... outward bullying, but I always felt rather excluded and because my parents were so busy, I'd often be at school over breaks.

All in all, I am absolutely not one to romanticize my school days. I far prefer being an adult.

And no, I don't think you've given much away. I think all those fields are very wide. They're also very impressive, so color me impressed :) I could also probably do my job from a variety of places, but I'm very glad to be doing it Swynlake.

Best,

bubblymolecule

@luminous-seagull

#Luminous Molecule

Bubblymolecule >> Storyacoustic

Dear bubblymolecule,

That is a generous outlook on the situation, which I heartily appreciate. Thank you. Mostly, I just think I am rather boring. A little too sucked into my career.

I am glad you're having success. We haven't talked much, but you seem kind, which I think is the best quality someone can have. I don't think it makes you sound like a player (okay, maybe a little bit, but the clarification helped.) It just sounds sensible.

storyacoustic

@bubblymolecule

Dear storyacoustic,

As someone who is also very career-focused, I do sympathize! It can be easy to just be so consumed by it, but then in situations like this where your job would immediately give you away ... well, I've told many people that my interests include baking, fashion, reading, and animals :) What about you?

That slip is so funny to me, because I have laughably little romantic experience. Perhaps I am approaching this experiment too analytically, with all my data gathering and spreadsheets. Just kidding about the spreadsheets. Mostly.

Best,

bubblymolecule

@storyacoustic

briskthames

Bubbly,

It would be amazing if I had been able to really hone in on one sport that I could commit that energy to. I think that was the main flaw. Too much drive to try all of them and not be devoted to one. But I am very excited! The ice skating is always interesting. I really love watching hockey. I love a good team sport. There's also this new winter sport this year that I'm curious about... ski mountaineering? You climb a mountain and then ski down it or something. Sounds intense and exciting to me.

I do love dogs. I guess I can expose the fact that I actually have a dog now. If I don't say what kind or any of that I don't think it reveals enough probably. =]

I am not new to town at all actually. I have so many spots that I love. I love the park and the lake. I also really like Hatter's for my regular coffee fix. Enchantra is also great for a run or a hike. I guess I'm giving you a lot of the outdoorsy answers, but we do live in a naturally beautiful area.

What is something that would make you stand in the longest queue for, or go through the biggest hassle to get tickets/a reservation for? I never really have time to wait that long for anything these days, but I think if I had to maybe to meet one of my sports heroes? But then I'm actually not sure I really want to meet them and find out they're actually quite ordinary other than their sport (though I suppose that is allowed). So maybe actually something like a hard to get in museum. I don't know. What about you?

Warm Regards, Brisk

@bubblymolecule

Briskthames,

When all this is said and done, we should definitely meet up at the dog park then. At the very least, I'll have two new friendly faces to see there :)

And that is a very good point -- I don't particularly know if I'd like to meet any of my heroes either. What if they're actually terribly rude? Or terribly boring? Better to be an idea in my head, I think.

Oh, perhaps one of those fancy galas at a museum? I'd love to do one of those "dining with the dinosaurs" or something like that. Or a first glimpse at a new exhibit. I think that would be fascinating and worth waiting in line for. Or maybe tickets for a World Cup final? Now that would be exciting.

I've got to confess, though: I am not a huge concert person! Maybe it's because I haven't been to a good one. Somehow the idea of going to a crowded sporting event seems more tolerable than a crowded concert. I'm not certain why!

Best,

bubblymolecule

@briskthames

#briskthames

Bubblymolecule >> Storyacoustic

Dear storyacoustic,

Hello! Thank you for reaching out. :)

I am going to be honest that I have been a little disappointed so far. Which is why I reached out for more matches. Maybe it is just me, but I haven't...clicked with many people. One? Which is probably not very good odds considering I was originally matched with six or seven.

I am glad not everyone is having the same experience! And it is nice to be curious, I think. A good quality to have.

storyacoustic

@bubblymolecule

Hi Storyacoustic,

Curiosity is essential in my line of work, so I'm glad to see you appreciate it, haha :)

And I'm sorry to hear that you haven't had a great time so far! While anonymity helps some people, I also think it can hinder others. There's a lot of pressure in some ways.

As for me, while I have plenty of matches I've enjoyed conversing with, there are only a couple I feel could be potential romantic matches. Which is part of the reason I decided to try another round. Though, typing that now, I realize I might sound a bit like a player, but I assure you I am very much the opposite. I just like to have all the data I possibly can before moving forward with a decision.

... and now I sound like a robot. Oh well! I am who I am, haha.

Best,

bubblymolecule

@storyacoustic

Bubbly Greetings >>> Bubbly Spud

Dear Bubbly,

Yes, I do think at this point in the event, we ought to figure out if there is a reason to keep writing letters.

Forgive me if the following comes across bluntly.

I am interested in finding a partner who might match my lifestyle. I am a homebody and also family-oriented. Also, because I'm getting older, I want to get married and have children relatively soon. I would say within the next two to three years, and certainly no more than that. I am in the financial position to begin right away, you see. So waiting doesn't appeal to me.

I am looking for a partner with the same goals and timeline, who also would not mind being a homemaker for the first few years of our childrens' lives.

Though, because I have family here in Swynlake, we could negotiate in case my partner wants to return to work relatively quickly.

But ultimately, that is what would make me compatible with someone; someone who wants to build a family as much as I do, someone who cares about traditions and culture and handing those things down, someone who wants to have family dinners and game nights and occasional family vacations. I do not want to travel, I am not looking to advance any further in my career-- I want my family to be the center of my life and marriage to be a project that we work on together. I don't know if I believe in soul mates or romance, it doesn't seem real to me. But marriage is certainly very real to me.

So...well, that's what I am looking for.

Does that match with your goals and vision for the future?

Best,

Spudnik.

Dear Spudnik,

Those are the points where I feel we might differ, which I wanted to be very candid about.

Best,

bubblymolecule

@lonelyspudnik

#Bubbly Spud

Bubblymolecule >> Explosivedoughnut

explosivedoughnut

Dear Bubblymolecule,

Sounds like your job keeps you pretty busy! And even though you told me plenty about it, I don't think you spilled any beans! I'm glad you like your job too! I'm not too good at computers or meeting lots of people, so I'm not sure it would be a good fit for me.

Ok, let's see how I can do this! Well, I do a lot of heavy lifting and keep a lot of things in order, and I get to spend time outdoors. I also really love my job! It's just right for me.

And I guess we should do the latest prompt? "Tell me about your greatest love story?"

From,

Explosivedoughnut

@bubblymolecule

Hello explosivedoughnut,

Ah, well ... you see that's a bit of a sensitive topic for me. I don't have a lot of romantic experience, and my one and only great love story actually ended fairly recently. It's part of the reason I decided to do this event: I wanted to do my best to move on and remind myself that there are "plenty of fish in the sea," so to speak.

In short, we dated for a couple of years and were even on the cusp of taking a next big step. But due to some outside circumstances, they had to leave town and we both agreed that we couldn't make a long distance relationship work. And that is that.

How about you? I hope yours is happier than mine... though I suppose if you're single on Valentine's Day, perhaps not!

Best,

bubblymolecule

@explosivedoughnut

#Explosivedoughnut

slowcyclone

slowcyclone >> bubblymolecule

slowcyclone

Hello,

I am reaching out as we were matched for the Swynlake’s Got Mail Event. We both requested more matches. Have you not been making many connections?

I admit I cannot answer the prompt today, as I am still quite new to town, but I would be interested if you had any suggestions for events to attend.

Regards, Slow Cyclone

@bubblymolecule