[techniquedeficient]

This Letter I'm Writing || Mysterioustechnique

[mysteriousindigo]

Techniquedeficient,

Noted - I may change up my order when I next stop in.

Well, I suppose we compliment each other in that way, though I do think knowing a good quality Sauvignon doesn’t come up quite as often as knowing good coffee. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two for when I next stop at Hatter’s — or maybe I’ll go to [name redacted] instead.

Is there anything you think you’d like to know more about? Something that interests you, but that you’ve never had a chance to look into?

~ mysteriousindigo

@techniquedeficient

[techniquedeficient]

Mysteriousindigo,

If you do, let me know what you think. I'm always willing tochance things up and take some feedback.

I'd say the best way to learn anything new about coffee is to go with a friend. It's a lot easier to taste the differences when you're comparing directly, but most people don't want to vibrate out of their skin with too much caffeine while they're testing it out.

I say most. I definitely drink too much coffee compared to the average person.

You know, this is the kind of question I should have a good answer for. I know there's so much out there I don't know and I should learn more of it, but I tend to get pretty burned out just keeping up with the day to day. I remember being a lot more curious than I am now.

Is there something you think more people should know? Maybe I'll start there.

TD

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Techniquedeficient,

I take it you’re anti-decaf? Personally I’ve never really understood the point of it, since I think caffeine is an integral part of coffee, but maybe a decaf coffee float would be a nice way to try different kinds without vibrating out of your skin.

I can understand that, though. When you have a lot going on it doesn’t leave much time for being curious. Keeping your head above water takes up more energy than people realise.

I suppose one thing I’d want more people to know is dancing. I know everyone can dance to some degree, but I think more people should learn a proper style. It’s good for all kinds of things — hand-eye coordination, fitness, discipline, rhythm. Plus it can be a nice party trick.

~ mysteriousindigo

[techniquedeficient]

This Letter I'm Writing || Mysterioustechnique

[techniquedeficient]

mysteriousindigo,

The Start Up is a good basic one with berries, apples, and bananas. But I'll get the Energy boost a lot as well. Most of them are good though.

Ah, see, there you have me beat. I know that I like some red wines and some white wines more than others, but it all tastes similar enough that I've never bothered to pay more than 30 pounds for a bottle - and even that's when I'm trying to impress someone. I'll leave the wine to you in that case.

TD

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Techniquedeficient,

Noted - I may change up my order when I next stop in.

Well, I suppose we compliment each other in that way, though I do think knowing a good quality Sauvignon doesn’t come up quite as often as knowing good coffee. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two for when I next stop at Hatter’s — or maybe I’ll go to [name redacted] instead.

Is there anything you think you’d like to know more about? Something that interests you, but that you’ve never had a chance to look into?

~ mysteriousindigo

@techniquedeficient

[mysteriousindigo]

New message || acousticindigo

[storyacoustic]

Dear mysteriousindigo,

I have liked it a little better than Tinder. Or maybe about equally? Tinder is good for hook ups, but I never really imagined me finding a partner through there.

Though...not sure if I am really having any luck in that department during this little experiment. It does allow for you to let your guard down a bit, but at the same time, in interest of protecting my identity, I worry I have been coming off a bit stiff.

I hope you're having some good luck!

storyacoustic

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Dear @storyacoustic,

I feel like I know where you’re coming from on both accounts. I’ve tried tinder before but it felt quite impersonal. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t, but I’ve never had anything long term come from it.

As for coming off as stuffy in an attempt not to give yourself away, I think I might be in the same boat. Don’t worry, I won’t be too quick to judge. Besides, I think there’s only so much you can judge about personality via email or letters, when everyone might read something differently.

If you don’t mind me asking, what were you looking for when you started the experiment?

~ mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

New message || acousticindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Dear storyacoustic,

I had worried when I signed up for missing connections that I might be the only one, so I’m glad that we’ve been paired up. I know it doesn’t leave much time for us to get to know each other, but I certainly think it’s worth a try.

How have you been finding the experiment so far? I was worried email might feel a little too much like tinder messaging, but I suppose the anonymity makes it a little more exciting and a little less nerve wracking.

Warm regards,

~ mysteriousindigo

@storyacoustic

[mysteriousindigo]

New message || acousticindigo

[luminous-seagull]

Give Me Your Fries || Mysterious Seagull

[luminous-seagull]

Hello @mysteriousindigo ,

That’s perfect I’m more than happy to take the lead ^_^

Not at all! I’d say something similar. I’ve been through a lot the past four, five years and I still managed to discover my career passion and explore my creative endeavors in that time. My job is very people-oriented and I think it makes a huge difference so I’m very proud of it.

I cannot keep plants alive that’s awesome! Do you cook with the basil or not really?

- LS

[mysteriousindigo]

@luminous-seagull,

I feel sort of the same, though maybe not the bit about creative endeavors. I'm not sure that I'm that creative, though I definitely admire those who are. What are your hobbies?

I do a bit, but maybe not as much as I should, which is why I was glad to be able to keep it going over winter. I'm not usually so green-fingered. One of my new years resolutions was to cook more, because I usually make the same few things over and over again. Do you cook much?

~ mysteriousindigo

[techniquedeficient]

This Letter I'm Writing || Mysterioustechnique

[techniquedeficient]

Mysteriousindigo,

The boba tea is good and it makes for a nice change sometimes. But I'm more likely to get a smoothie from the Lucky Cat since we don't have too many places in town that do that. It makes for a good end to a long gym work out.

I think its because I spend most of the day drinking really shit coffee at work or the stuff I brew at home. If I'm going to pay money for it, it'd better be good. Plus the line at [name redacted] is usually shorter which helps.

Don't worry, I don't expect everyone else to be a coffee snob. Anything you're picky about like that?

TD

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Techniquedeficient,

I think that's all very fair. If you're paying for something you want it to be worth the money. Though I can't say I've had a smoothie from there, so I'll have to give it a try - any recommendations?

I think wine is my picky thing, which I'd say is far worse than being a coffee snob. But I was brought up in a household that wouldn't dare serve red wine with fish or white wine with red meat, so I think it's sort of in my nature.

Though it also doesn't really come up very often, and I can tuck my opinions away in my back pocket if needed. It's always good to keep an open mind, no matter the subject, isn't it?

~ mysteriousindigo

[techniquedeficient]

This Letter I'm Writing || Mysterioustechnique

[techniquedeficient]

Mysteriousindigo,

Of course. Every place has its upsides and its downsides, things are rarely purely good or purely awful. The disasters make for good headlines and good gossip so that's what spreads to others. But those of us who live here know what matters are the people and the choices we make in how to spend that time. I've lived other places, but I'm glad to be back here.

Hatter's makes better tea. [name redacted] makes better coffee. Other people can debate, but I know I'm right and I will die on this hill.

TD

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Techniquedeficient,

I'll have to bow to your judgement on that one. I don't actually get that much tea whilst I'm out. I do drink it, just not very much. And actually, I think I'm starting to prefer the boba tea from Lucky Cat to a cup of English breakfast.

I also think this is where I have to admit that I'm not really a coffee connoisseur. I can largely taste when it's burnt, and I can tell when the milk hasn't been steamed quite right, but otherwise? I'm not sure I'd be able to tell instant from real beans.

I hope this doesn't totally put you off me.

~ mysteriousindigo

[techniquedeficient]

This Letter I'm Writing || Mysterioustechnique

[techniquedeficient]

Mysteriousindigo,

The carnival is one of my favorite events as well. Every year I try to pretend I'm too old for the rides so that I can pretend its someone else's fault when I end up on them anyway. Plus there's an unbeatable candy apple stall there.

I don't think it's indecisive. You answered the question just with additional stipulations. It shows you've been here long enough to appreciate the seasons and the way the town changes.

The events are a good idea. It's a good way to meet people and get grounded to the town quickly. My first recommendation would be to check out [name redacted]. It's got some of the best coffee in town and there's nothing like it anywhere else in the UK. Then you can take your coffee on a walk through Enchantra and get a little of the quiet. It's a good balance. Or so I think.

TD

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Techniquedeficient,

I think the longer you spend in this town the more you grow to appreciate how much it has to offer. I feel like it has a bit of a reputation, especially from all the horror stories the tourists tell, but there's a lot of charm too, isn't there?

I do wonder if that's not a controversial opinion, though. [name redacted] over Hatter's? I think that could definitely start a lengthy debate in this town. Though I do agree, I think a coffee and a walk through Enchantra would be a nice introduction to town.

~ mysteriousindigo

@techniquedeficient

[luminous-seagull]

Give Me Your Fries || Mysterious Seagull

[luminous-seagull]

@mysteriousindigo

Hello!

I know it's rather late in the experiment, but luckily or unluckily depending on how you look at it, I am a certified yapper and love to get to know people.

I'm curious about what you're most proud of in your life?

~LS

[mysteriousindigo]

Hello @luminous-seagull,

Well, for right now I think that works out for both of us. Like you say, with it being a bit later in the experiment we've got a lot to catch up. I wouldn't say I was a quiet person, but I think I benefit from having someoneto take the lead a little bit, if that makes sense?

As to what I'm most proud of in life... is it self-centered to say myself? Or I suppose how far I've come. It's been a difficult few years, but I think I've managed to get myself to a good place, mostly on my own. Either that or the pot of basil I've managed to keep alive on my kitchen windowsill all winter.

What about you? What do you think is your best achievement?

~ mysteriousindigo

[techniquedeficient]

This Letter I'm Writing || Mysterioustechnique

[mysteriousindigo]

Dear techniquedeficient,

I think both of those are perfectly reasonable, especially from the angle you're looking at things from. Honesty isn't just honorable, it's the best way to tackle issues before they become real problems.

As for family, I don't have much contact with my own for various reasons, so if that was important to someone, or a partner felt like they needed to mend old bridges, it might be a problem. As for having a family, whilst I'm not decided myself, I'd like to leave the option on the table. I suppose it's less about goals and more about understanding, really.

Warm regards,

mysteriousindigo

[techniquedeficient]

Mysteriousindigo,

I can understand that. My own family and I are still close, but I've known plenty of people with complex relationships with their family. If you've needed to cut yours off, I'm sure you have your reasons.

What's the one thing you'd recommend to someone who is new around town? Could be your favorite thing or could be the thing you think is the best introduction.

TD

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Techniquedeficient,

I think that’s a tough one. I’m not from here originally, so I had to discover it all for myself, and there’s a lot about Swynlake that I really love. I think it maybe depends on the season. In the fall, I’d say the carnival. It’s maybe one of my favorite things in town, even though it isn’t around for long. In the spring I think the park is lovely, and in summer you can’t go wrong with a day at the lake.

I know that doesn’t really answer your question, and I promise I’m not always so indecisive. If I had to say just one thing… I’d tell them to go to whatever event is on next. I don’t think you can go wrong with a Swynlake ball. It’s usually a good way to meet people.

What would be your recommendation?

~ mysteriousindigo

[techniquedeficient]

This Letter I'm Writing || Mysterioustechnique

[techniquedeficient]

Mysteriousindigo,

Like you were saying, I'm trying to avoid having a specific type of date or only being around one type of person. It's possible to be surprised who you connect with and I'm trying to leave space for that.

As for where I won't, my career is a priority to me. Anyone I am with has to be able to handle being shared with it. Beyond that honesty is important. I can't address needs I don't know about or find compromises when I don't know there are problems.

What are your goals for your family?

TD

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Dear techniquedeficient,

I think both of those are perfectly reasonable, especially from the angle you're looking at things from. Honesty isn't just honorable, it's the best way to tackle issues before they become real problems.

As for family, I don't have much contact with my own for various reasons, so if that was important to someone, or a partner felt like they needed to mend old bridges, it might be a problem. As for having a family, whilst I'm not decided myself, I'd like to leave the option on the table. I suppose it's less about goals and more about understanding, really.

Warm regards,

mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

First things first || indigocasebook

[globalcasebook]

Dear @mysteriousindigo

You're very presumptuous, but then I suppose you've also disclosed that you are looking at this as a game so I can't blame you for making theories so that I will have to directly deny or back up the claims you're putting down. Well done.

As for your opinions on the matters, I find that an interesting take. Wouldn't you wish to discuss the things that actually matter with someone when you don't have to deal with the awkwardness or social norms that knowing someone, or looking them in the eye, would bring with a real life conversation? Sort of defeats the purpose of this experiment. Thank you for sharing.

The subjects I would find helpful to discuss would be; what do you want out of a relationship? Political stances? Whether or not you're looking to move from town? Family issues that might keep the relationship from continuing? Things that are important to you that you would want to share/be important to your romantic partner? The things that actually matter as far as a long term relationship going somewhere farther than the front porch.

From,

globalcasebook

[mysteriousindigo]

Dear @globalcasebook

I do appreciate your point. Doing everything via mail certainly should cut out the awkwardness of meeting someone for a first date, but I think dating in any form can be something of a humiliation ritual at first. At least until everyone’s comfortable enough to be able to talk without worrying too much about what the other is thinking of them.

I do wonder though, does cutting to the chase not shorten the experiment quite a bit? What do you talk about when you’ve already covered the more meaningful topics?

Anyway, to cut to the chase: I suppose I want a connection that lasts rather than the typical tinder thing; I would like to say more liberal, but I think liberal politics is anything even slightly left of center nowadays; I would be willing to move if the need/desire arose; no family issues to speak of; and as for the last one, I’m not too sure. I feel like we might have covered them all? I’m sure you can point out a few more, and I’d be interested to know your answers.

Warm regards,

mysteriousindigo

[techniquedeficient]

This Letter I'm Writing || Mysterioustechnique

[techniquedeficient]

Dear mysteriousindigo,

I'll admit, I hadn't considered doing this, but it does seem like an interesting way to meet people. Perhaps we'll both have the chance to improve here.

Hm, difficult questions. I think your point about them being versatile is important. I haven't thought that much about coral as a color but I could seethe argument for both orange and pink. Indigo is more likely to come up in my wardrobe over coral and I don't have nearly as many opportunities for color debates.

What is an area of dating you try to be adaptable with? What's one area where you won't be?

TD

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Dear techniquedeficient,

I think recently I’ve been trying to be more adaptable in the type of people i date. I wouldn’t say i had a “type” necessarily, but I definitely went through a phase of dating similar people, so I’ve been trying to branch out. Does that count as being adaptable? I think I’m mainly just trying to go with the flow.

I suppose where I won’t be adaptable is in the things I want. Future goals, family, that sort of stuff. Things that are too important to compromise on, in my opinion.

Sorry to be unoriginal, but what about you? Where will you adapt and where won’t you?

Warm regards,

mysteriousindigo

@techniquedeficient

[techniquedeficient]

This Letter I'm Writing || Mysterioustechnique

[techniquedeficient]

Dear mysteriousindigo,

I suppose that's because too many people insist something must be one thing or another when it has elements of both. But indigo is the way to describe the night sky on a clear night.

I have been told many times that my dating technique comes up short, so it seemed the most honest way to start these letters. I do my best to excel in most aspects of my life, but it doesn't always work well.

Do you work with colours often?

TD

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Dear techniquedeficient,

Ah, I see. I suppose it's good to be honest, and even better to know where your talents are maybe lacking. Good place to start improving from, I think. Though I can't say my dating technique is much better - hence why I'm here.

Not too often, but often enough that I've mediated a few arguments about whether indigo is blue or purple. You'd be surprised by how often it comes up. Same with coral - is it orange or pink?

Personally I think it depends what you need them for. Being versatile and adaptable is a good strategy for colors and for dating, I think.

Warm regards,

mysteriousindigo

@techniquedeficient

[mysteriousindigo]

Introductions || mysteriousfrostlily

[wakeful-frostlily]

Dear mysteriousindigo,

Oh, they're just pretty. I love a plain white flower, which is probably pretty boring, but I just like them.

What about you, are you much for flowers?

Mm, I love an intimate first date, I'd rather cook for someone than go out for dinner, though letting someone else cook doesn't sound half bad!

Warmly,

wakeful-frostlily

@mysteriousindigo

[mysteriousindigo]

Dear wakeful-frostlily,

I don't think that's boring at all. I'm quite fond of snowdrops - we used to get a lot of them where I grew up, and they're quite unassuming. I think there's a novelty to them, with them being the first bloom of the year.

That makes me sound like I know more than I do. To answer your question properly, I do quite enjoy them, especially in the spring when everything really starts coming into its own. The tulips in the park are beautiful when they're all in bloom.

I'm not much of a cook myself, which is maybe why I prefer going out. Is it bad if I say I wouldn't mind letting someone cook for me? I'm always happy to do the dishes.

Warm regards,

mysteriousindigo

@wakeful-frostlily

[mysteriousindigo]

First things first || indigocasebook

[globalcasebook]

Dear @mysteriousindigo

If you're actually looking for a romantic connection by the end of this I would think that you wouldn't look at it as a game at all. But if you're in it just to pass the time, by all means, Plum and Peacock, on wards and upwards. Though I also think comparing this to a game involving a murder is also in poor taste.

Who said I wasn't here to find a match? All I said was that I felt obligated to participate, not about my intentions. If we're just going to be here to discuss your ideal first date or whether or what your favorite writing utensil is then I think we should cut communication here. It's hardly worth either of our time. It's better to cut to the meat of things while we have no idea who we are rather than gab on about nothing only to get to the end, find out who we are, and then cut it there instead when we realize we don't agree on something that's actually substantial. I could live with someone who thinks a pencil is superior, but not someone who thinks the Earth is flat in earnest.

If you have other thoughts and opinion on this, feel free to share. I'm not saying I'll change my stance, but am interested to know yours. Unless, of course, you decide not to respond given my reply here. In which case, good luck with your game.

From, globalcasebook

[mysteriousindigo]

Dear @globalcasebook

It sounds like you might be the one who's made up your mind as to whether or not you want to continue. Truthfully I don't mind a bit of small talk, especially on day one. I think small talk has its place in putting people at ease and forming early bonds between two people who don't know each other, especially when they're doing so via the internet.

But, that being said, I'm happy to 'cut to the meat of things', as you very aptly put it. Though I'm curious as to what that means to you. If you don't find talking about your ideal first date or your favourite writing utensil worthy of your time, what subjects are?

For the record: my favourite writing utensil is a zebra z-grip ballpoint pen. I go through a lot of them, and they've never let me down.

Warm regards,

mysteriousindigo