Hello!

Dear sassyradish,

I'm glad you had a good day.

That is very clever! I like that sound of that a lot, I hope it comes together in the end but it seems like you've got it figured out.

I've been doing pretty well. Work has been keeping me busy recently, but I was anticipating that so we were prepared for the sudden business. I've got a few projects I'm working on, one I've just finished in the nick of time (even if it did cost me some blood sweat and tears haha), but that had pretty much been it. But I'm thankful for that. I slept okay. I wouldn't put it down as good but I haven't had a good night's sleep in a while. I'm getting back to it, though.

As for that's been occupying my thoughts, I will have to admit these emails have been popping in there a lot. Along with Valentine's Day as a whole, I've been popping the heart conversation heart candies all the time. Our jar is almost empty.

This will probably be my last email before the mixer. I hope to see you and your outfit there. It's been great emailing you, thank you for replying and being as smart and sincere as you are.

Yours, groovystarched

@sassyradish

fragilenostalgia

Dear groovystarched,

Happy February to you as well! So far it's been quite nice, especially with all these lovely correspondents I get to have with so many lovely people.

I suppose I'm a bit of a nostalgic person. I have a soft spot for older things and have a few collections of my own that definitely are nostalgic. Some things that get me the most are old things made of cloth or paper or other degradeable material. It makes me wonder what they must have looked like in their prime, and how many hands they must have gone through. They also remind me of when I was young and all the things I read and played with and how worn they got just from me alone, let alone years of aging.

May I ask in return and following the theme, what is the grooviest thing about you?

Sincerely,

Fragilenostalgia

@groovystarched

Dear fragilenostalgia,

That's great to hear! I'm glad it's going well and that people have been treating you well.

You have a great way with words. I felt like I was reading poetry or something with that! I've only more recently come to appreciate older things. When I was younger I was more about what was new and on the top shelf and all of that, but as I've gotten older I realize how poor quality stuff is these days. Or maybe I'm just turning into every older generation and thinking things were better 'back in the day' haha.

Tough question! I'm not entirely sure what the grooviest thing about me could be. Definitely not my starched collars, since I feel like groovy means something with a bit more movement. I know this might seem like a bogus answer, but would you accept that I think my friends are? They're the best parts of me, anyway!

All the best, groovystartched

@fragilenostalgia

fragilenostalgia

Dear groovystarched

Thank you! I do sometimes worry i get too verbose with my writing, but i am treating these much like letters rather than just emails and it always just feels right to get a little wordy with it all.

I know, it’s a shame to see so much quality and uniqueness fall to the wayside in favor of cheap and mass production. Nothing beats the charm of some older appliances and collectibles and clothing. Especially the clothing in my opinion.

I think that’s a lovely answer and your use of the term bogus in the same sentence as groovy certainly negates any of said ‘bogusness’ that could be found in the answer. But i think that’s very sweet and says a lot about you that you see your friends as such an important part of who you are.

There’s nothing bogus about being vulnerable with your feelings 🤭

Sincerely,

Fragilenostalgia

@groovystarched

#fragilenostalgia #groovynostalgia

Dear fragilenostalgia,

Is there a difference between letter writing and emails? Other than that one is online and the other is on paper, of course.

Thank you, I am glad it wasn't a disappointing answer. I truly couldn't think of something past my buddies. Though it was probably because one of my friend's birthdays was coming up (now past) and I've been keeping it in mind so I didn't forget.

I didn't mean it like that. I am not someone who thinks feelings are a bad thing and that showing them is somehow better than not. That whole concept is kinda silly to me, because why else would we have emotions? Or such expressive faces and bodies that react without us even knowing it sometimes to show them.

Anyway, it's been a pleasure writing with you! I hope you have a happy Valentine's Day, and if you're going to the mixer for this thing, that maybe I'll see you there!

All the best, groovystarched

@fragilenostalgia

Dear groovystarched,

that's impressive! And really nice to hear honestly. I have a lot of family as I've said, so it's nice to be able to talk to someone who really gets how it can be.

Yes exactly! We can have different interests and nurture those and yes spend time away from each other and then be happier when we do come together again. I think it's so important to have those separate things too.

That's really good to know that we're both on the same page with that. I'm glad that we're compatible in that way.

Communication is so important, you're right. I think I understand what you mean with arguments as well. I understand things like needing to step away for a bit to calm down, but I do think yes calm or at least being willing to hear the other person out and understand each other. Or try. I would also hope for a partner with the maturity to know that just because there's a disagreement, doesn't mean it's time to throw in the towel or to lose it entirely. So I think I do understand that and I can agree.

Wishing you well, sassyradish

@groovystarched

Dear sassyradish,

Yeah, it's like you've said, I would hope that myself and my partner would be individuals who can make our own decisions and opinions about stuff. Obviously no two people are going to agree on everything! Eventually something will come up that might be a bit uncomfortable, but there's no reason to let it get out of hand. An argument is fine, there bound to happen, so long as we can talk about it rather than it turning into a fight.

It seems like we agree on a lot of this stuff! Which I guess bodes well, eh? Even if we don't come out of this with anything more than a friendship, I'm super glad I got to match with you. It's been nice getting to write with you. You're very smart! I hope people compliment that about you.

I've been trying to think of a good question to ask you but the only thing I really want to know right now is = How was your day? Good? Bad? Boring? Exciting? I guess I'm just wondering what you're doing right now.

All the best, groovystarched

@sassyradish

Dear groovystarched,

Yeah that's true. I prefer my soft more comfort based movies. But this might also be because my job can be intense enough. I don't really want or need intense then in the movies that I watched. But I respect others who enjoy them!

Right. I mean it's possible they were badly hurt by someone or something, but that would be a lot to take on, and I can admit I don't think I'd be the one who'd be able to support someone as best as someone else maybe could.

I agree! Even if you don't know something about it, it can mean so much to just show that you want to learn or you want to understand something that your partner really loves or really works hard at. I think that's so important.

So you have a bigger family as well? I have quite a few siblings and cousins and the like, so I feel like I have plenty of people that yes... might have a good bit of scrutiny and tease so... whoever my partner has has to endure a bit.

I... well if someone doesn't want to be monogamous. I know myself, and I know that I can't handle that. Also, if my partner wants to monopolize all of my free time. I think it's one thing if we both work hard and try to see each other where we can. It's another if it's to the point where I can't really spend time with friends or with family because every second I'm not working is with that partner. Does that make sense? I think the other thing is... if this person isn't open to kids or a family at all one day. That's something that is very important to me, so I'd have to let someone go if they weren't on that page.

What about you?

Wishing you well, sassyradish

@groovystarched

Dear sassyradish,

Yeah, I think I've got a pretty big family. It expends in the sense that we have a lot of close family friends, too, so they sort of feel like family as well. But yeah, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, a few great-aunts and uncles still around, too. More of this comes from my mom's side of the family than my dad's, but he's got a more modest sized one. So, yeah, I totally understand what you mean!

I think I get what you mean? As in, you don't want to be fused at the hip to your partner. You can do your own separate things and be individuals, have time apart from one another. If that's the case, then yeah, I agree with you. It's healthy to spend time away from one another.

And, for the record, I also agree with your other two lines. I couldn't be with more than one partner and coming from a big family just made me want one, too.

I think a big one for me would be being unable to disagree calmly. I know conflict and arguments are bound to happen, but if it turns into something big because they can't hold a conversation about it, then I wouldn't know how to discuss a hard topic if it couldn't go anywhere. So, I guess on the flip side, if they aren't willing to communicate, too!

All the best, groovystarched

@sassyradish

Murderespressoo x Groovystarched

Hi Groovystarched,

Great question. Drinking wine. Reading. Watching movies and TV shows. My taste is broad. I'm a bit of a snob about movies and TV shows, but at the same time I inhale trashy reality TV. Love Island is a guilty pleasure of mine. Did you ever see that one show MILF Manor? Absolutely deranged. I loved it.

And what about you? Disco dancing? Roller skating? Going to the arcade? Macramé? Other groovy activities?

Cheers,

murderespresso

@groovystarched

#murdererespresso #groovyespresso

Dear murderespresso,

I don't think there's anything wrong with being a snob about what you watch. I'm not really into reality television. I used to watch some stuff, but the more modern shows don't feel like they used to. But I feel like I've watched shows like that through second hand encounters, like mini clips on other social media or clips sent to me through friends.

Though I have never heard of MILF Manor. Should I look it up or is it exactly what I think the title suggests it is?

All of the above! Minus Macramé, my skills in the arts of knots died back when I was a kid in the scouts and all I do these days are shoe laces. And, if you count my Playstation as an arcade, then yes.

All the best, groovystarched

@murderespresso

Dear groovystarched,

I have never seen The Ring, though googling it tells me I probably don't want to see it now. But sending a doomed fate to others does sound bad. You had a good moral center even then. That's pretty sweet. I think those lewd messages are just a different kind of unpleasant sometimes, but it is better than something horror-movie related.

I agree that someone having close connections is important. I'm very close to my family and I have a few good friends too. I worry if someone isolates themselves too much. Makes you wonder if they can handle a relationship really. Or makes me wonder anyway. But you're right, kindness is also key.

For me I think also someone who respects my career. That is, they understand that that is important to me too and they aren't going to latch on and question me if I haven't responded to them in a few hours. And maybe they could be a little tough. Not like intensely so, but tough enough to withstand a bit of a crazy family.

Do you have a lot of family?

Wishing you well, sassyradish

@groovystarched

Dear sassyradish,

That's okay! Scary movies aren't for everyone. I know a lot of people have said that The Ring in particular is one that scarred them. But yeah, agreed. The chain texts kinda heavily depend on who they're coming from probably. Close friend you know is doing it for a laugh? Sure. Kind of a stranger who got your number somehow? Creepy! For several reasons.

I also agree about the isolation, it would make me wonder about them, too. Innocent until proven otherwise, but if someone is isolating themself if it's probably for a reason. And that reason is something they gotta work on most likely. If they're willing to, anyway.

That's a good one, too. I admire that. I think in general, recognizing that your partner cares about something means that it's gotta be important to you, too. It's a partnership, after all, it's important to show them your support over the things they enjoy and have worked hard at.

Yes, I do! Maybe the 'a lot' is relative, but it feels like we're a big bunch. So, I also agree with you there that being willing to endure a bit of scrutiny and ribbing haha.

Do you have any hard boundaries that you would have to end a relationship over?

All the best, groovystarched

@sassyradish

fragilenostalgia

Dear groovystarched,

Happy February to you as well! So far it's been quite nice, especially with all these lovely correspondents I get to have with so many lovely people.

May I ask in return and following the theme, what is the grooviest thing about you?

Sincerely,

Fragilenostalgia

@groovystarched

#fragilenostalgia #groovynostalgia

Dear fragilenostalgia,

That's great to hear! I'm glad it's going well and that people have been treating you well.

All the best, groovystartched

@fragilenostalgia

Murderespressoo x Groovystarched

Hello Groovystarched,

A murderespresso never tells. (Carefully; I can't spill).

Oh absolutely. I actually find the prospect of us alone in the universe even more terrifying than the idea of aliens out there. I just hope they're friendly. Or hot. I'd take evil ones if they're hot.

Do you consider yourself to be "groovy?"

Cheers,

murderespresso

@groovystarched

#murdererespresso #groovyespresso

Dear murderespresso,

Fair enough!

I never thought about it like that, but yes if we were the only planet in existence with life on it that would be very scary. And good to know about your priorities! But I guess with your skill set, you wouldn't have to worry too much about them being evil since you could probably take care of them? One way or another, if they are hot and turn out to like caffeine.

I would like to think of myself as groovy, yes. I don't really have any specific reasons as to why but I kind of think groovy is one of those things you just kinda feel.

Can I ask what you do for fun? Other than murder?

All the best, groovystarched

@murderespresso

groovyradish

Dear groovystarched,

I can see that. It's nice to know you're open to seeing how things go. I think I am too! I like discovering what we both like and what works and doesn't. It makes for a more interesting experience.

Oh I know. It's so fun to open emails and see really nice email conversations rather than a bunch of spam or advertising too. It's refreshing. I do remember the ridiculous chain mails though from back in the day. Better send it out to ten of your contacts or else you'll never find love... or some such nonsense.

What are things you value in a partner or in a friend?

Wishing you well, sassyradish

@groovystarched

Dear sassyradish,

Exactly. The funny part is that while I believed in them at first, I still didn't send them off. I think it was because I had watched The Ring at a young age and something about the concept of sending along a doomed fate to others didn't sit right with me. But I'm still here. And I guess this trend is now transferred to those text messages with lewd language and a bunch of emojis for the holidays, which I guess is better than sending scary stories about something crawling through the screen for you haha.

Anyway, let me answer your question! It's a good one! As we just talked about, I value someone being able to be a bit flexible but also someone who can figure out what they want and say it. I value someone who has close connections with other people. Friends, family. Lets me know that they care to keep up with their people and have people who take care of them, too. And if they're kind. I think a lot of stuff can come from just being nice.

And what about you?

All the best, groovystarched

@sassyradish

StarchedTansy

Hello Groovy Starched,

Thank you! Yes, it is pleasantly thematic, which is always a boon.

That's so interesting! I'm glad I'm not the only one who actively put thought into it. It's likely not a bad thing to stand out in this case, as it's a good conversation starter. At least, it's started ours!

To answer your question, perhaps a bit of both? The generator put out "teenytiny" and I liked the alliteration, but I wanted to include a bit of myself so I changed it to tansy, as I like flowers. Going into this completely anonymous did not feel right to me, as I'm hoping to present as authentic.

Though now the conversation topics must be our own haha! Are you enjoying this experience so far? Not talking with me specifically, but this event in general.

Sincerely,

Teeny Tansy

@groovystarched

#teenytansy #starchedtansy

@teenytansy

Dear teenytansy,

Ah, you gave me the credit of putting thought into my name, and here you are putting in way more than I ever did! I admire that tactic. When I was deciding whether or not to participate, I did have a set back thinking that I wouldn't be able to keep up the whole 'anonymous' thing because I'm not really a secretive person? I have secrets but I'm not necessarily thinking about how to keep things to myself. We'll see how long I can last without being found out.

You're really pulling your weight here in keeping this conversation, thanks! And yeah, I am. I like talking to people, so this has been nice getting to know people in a way that I wouldn't usually. I'm not great at being able to write, though, so it has been kind of hard in that way. But everyone has been great!

What about you? Are you enjoying it?

All the best,

groovystarched

Murderespressoo x Groovystarched

Hello Groovystarched,

I hope this email finds you well. That is what I would say if I was writing a business email. In reality, I hope this email finds you incredibly excited and perhaps a bit lustful at the prospect of meeting a strange person on the internet.

Before you ask, yes I am actually a sentient and murderous cup of espresso. So proceed carefully, because I can hide in the most unassuming of places.

Anyway, I don't care for first dates, so I've been asking my matches other questions.

You get a frightfully simple one: do you believe in aliens?

Cheers,

murderespresso

@groovystarched

#murdererespresso #groovyespresso

Dear murdererespresso,

Thank you. This email definitely found me!

That's great to know, I really appreciate that. Is it okay to ask how you type? Or is this a talk to text situation?

Great question! Yeah, I believe in aliens. Even more so now that I know things like cups of espresso that murder are real and live in the same town as I do. What about you?

All the best,

groovystarched

@murderespresso

groovyradish

Dear groovystarched,

Fair enough. Radishes can be an acquired taste! But I also didn't really think of starch in connection to clothes. That never would have occurred to me. But I looked it up immediately cause I wanted to know more about that.

So you're very flexible with a date. That's always nice. I feel like if you have too much of a plan it can also make it hard to switch things up or just go with the energy of the date.

My main thing is just wanting to enjoy the experience and do something interesting. Can I ask you what made you want to do these emails?

Wishing you well, sassyradish

@groovystarched

Dear sassyradish,

I would like to think I'm flexible, yeah! I'm also not really picky and feel like most anything is fun if you just go with it. Even if it's a change of plans, I've found it's better to go with it rather than resist. Like when you're kayaking, you're going with the current, but when it gets to be too much you can pull off to the bank whenever.

Sure, feel free to ask me whatever comes to mind. I'm a pretty open book.

I wanted to do these emails for a similar reason to you! When they first happened a few years ago, I didn't get the chance to participate. It sounded fun, I figured, why not? So far it's been nice! Actually enjoying opening up an email inbox is something that hasn't happened since I was a teenager, where the only bad things in there were the scary chain mails my friends would forward to me.

All the best,

groovystarched

@sassyradish

#fragilenostalgia #groovynostalgia

GroovyNostalgia

Dear fragilenostalgia,

Happy February, I hope it's been going good for you. I'm glad to be able to write with you!

From what I've seen (emails received haha) it seems like the thing to comment on people's names? I guess that's because that's the only thing we really know about one another. So I won't break trend, because I feel like yours has a story behind it? Even if it's as simple as you liked the words together.

What do you get nostalgic for?

All the best,

groovystarched

@fragilenostalgia

StarchedTansy

Hello Groovy Starched,

It's very nice to meet you! Coming to your blog, I was very delighted by your icon. It was a much needed confidence boost in this process! Thus far, it's been a bit overwhelming. It's difficult to know where to begin when all we have are these anonymous monikers to go by.

That being said, while many people have chosen an adjective plus a noun, yours is an adjective and a verb! Was that an active choice or a result of the randomizer?

Sincerely,

Teeny Tansy

@groovystarched

#teenytansy #starchedtansy

Dear teenytansy,

Nice to meet you, too! Thank you, I personally really like those candies so. I like your flowers, they're very pretty. Guess we make a pair, candy and flowers for Valentine's.

Yeah! Active choice, but only kind of. The original name the generator had spit out was, 'starchygroove' and I just flipped them around. I didn't realize it would stick out among the crowd. Oopsie daisies.

What about you? Your username actually makes sense, since those flowers are kinda small. Did you pick your name because of that or just liked the way it sounds?

All the best,

groovystarched

@teenytansy

groovyradish

Dear groovystarch,

it's nice to meet you! I hope your day is treating you well!

(I also love your username. Starch and radishes can go well together I'd say)

First dates can be so tricky to plan, don't you think? For me I do think it's best when you can go somewhere and talk and not feel too tense or out of place. You know, something like the carnival or a town event can be a really great date sort of spot too, you know? Public with tasty treats usually and good conversation.

What do you think? If you picked the first date, where would you want to go?

@groovystarched

Dear sassyradish,

It's nice to meet you, too! Thank you, I like your username, too. I don't really eat radishes, so I'll take your word for it! I will be honest with you, when I picked the starch I was thinking about what they do to clothes to keep them stiff rather than like bread or pasts.

I guess I don't really think about the planning of it all so much, so it's not that tricky to me. I agree with you, I think for the most part a first date is going to be about having a conversation and seeing if you like spending time together. I don't care about the where or the how, but if it matters to the other person, then I would go with what they wanted.

All the best,

groovystarched