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[globalcasebook]

Dear @subtlesage

There's no need to apologize. You replied when you had the time. There's nothing more to it than that.

I appreciate your willingness to comply. As for the topics I would want to discuss, I would want to first start with asking why you decided to sign up for this experiment? Are you looking for a relationship out of it? Or were you simply interested in the novelty of the anonymous email writing?

Your answer to this should determine where our conversation goes from there.

From,

globalcasebook

[subtlesage]

Dear Globalcasebook,

I think I am looking for some kind of companionship; whether it's romantic or platonic or somewhere in between. Obviously, these letters might not be the official start of a relationship but they could serve as a nice foundation for getting to know someone without all of the outside factors. I thought it seemed like an honest way to build a relationship.

What are you looking for in all of this? Something tells me you're collecting data, but are you including yourself in the pool?

Best,

Sage

[murderespresso]

Hello Subtlesage,

Excellent answer, thank you very much for playing.

As for how people describe me, I suppose it depends on the person in question. Blunt, is one I get a lot, and I think you'd agree with given my first question. Assertive. Ambitious. Sharp. Intelligent. Passionate. Some people who don't like me call me a bitch. I've gotten unhinged a few times, but I think there's a deep seeded resentment against women who know what they want and aren't afraid to get it.

And yourself?

Cheers,

murderespresso

@subtlesage

[subtlesage]

Murderespresso,

All amazing traits to have to the right people in life. I agree that some people find women with those traits a little abrasive due to their own insecurities and thoughts about their role in the world. It reflects poorly on them, not you.

I believe most would say I am pretty stable and calm. Ambitious, but measured. Good listener. I think we could complement each other quite well. I don't mind a bold personality, many friends I have can fall into your description.

Why do you think you've developed these traits?

Sincerely,

SubtleSage

[subtlesage]

Dear ThreadbareVHS,

I love the name! Did you have to rewind many with wooden pencils back in the day?

I did, especially when my kid got really into the Sidney movies. Is that a lot to put in a first email? Maybe, but I suppose it's a fact that needs to be considered with any potential connections. You obviously would not need to factor them into any major decisions as they are old enough now and their other parent is also involved in their life.

Wow, this email got away from me. Truly no pressure for anything deep at all. I just have a tendency to be quite open. I hope you don't mind. How has the experiment found you thus far? I'm interested to see how everyone is faring.

Best,

SubtleSage

@threadbare-vhs

[milkshakerugby]

Greetings SubtleSage,

I will refrain from asking just how old those shoes are lest I immediately abandon this conversation... I jest! Mostly.

As for animals... I don't currently have pets, nor have I... well, ever, actually! Someone in my family has been absolutely begging for one, but I'm still on the fence about whether or not we should make that decision. I don't have anything against animals; I just suppose since I did not grow up with them, I don't feel particularly attached to them.

Oh, I did have a cat living with me at one point, but that was an unusual circumstance. I didn't really have to take care of him.

Some of my closest friends have animals very dear to them, however. I appreciate their bond. But I suppose I will have to see if it is for me!

You sound very close to your companion animal in question. Have you always had pets?

Yours most ardently,

milkshakerugby

@subtlesage

[subtlesage]

Dear Milkshakerugby,

They aren't much older than a decade. If that makes me lose points in your book, so sorry. I do take care of my things though! So they do not smell or anything if that makes you feel less inclined to abandon our letters. Ha!

It's very responsible of you to know that animals are a huge commitment and take your time deciding. I think not growing up with them would definitely make that commitment harder to make. If they aren't for you, that is a valid feeling to have.

I haven't always had them. I have always admired them though. I grew up and had some animals but went many years without them as I got older. I was just too busy to dedicate much time to them. Now though, I love my dog. She's been a loyal friend and companion and hopefully she feels the same about me! Ha! You said you had family who wanted pets? What is your family like?

Best,

SubtleSage

[globalcasebook]

Dear @subtlesage

Hello, sorry for the late start with this one. I can assure you, you were not over looked. As it were, we have matched.

I've been attempting to be forward with this and will continue to do, despite the results I've been acquiring. I would like to not have to be subjected to having to discuss surface level topics. We are strangers. If we don't want to meet one another at the end of this, we never will. Therefore it would be smart to take this exercise as it should be used, to get to know one another without the shackles of societal norms.

If you do not agree with this method, feel free to say so. I will not be offended. I will respect you for your decision, and wish you well on your endeavors with your other matches. Thank you.

From,

globalcasebook

[subtlesage]

Dear Globalcasebook,

I am so terribly sorry I haven't gotten back to your email until now. I am very interested in this method of yours. I would like to think of myself as forward, but with tact. I suppose with the anonymity of this, we can be as forward as we would like without the fear of social rejection. I am keen to continue getting to know you past small talk. What topics did you have in mind?

Best, SubtleSage

[teenytansy]

Hello Subtle Sage,

It is a relaxed name! The smell of sage is always one that puts me in a pleasant mood while I am reading or studying. It immediately did give off that impression, so I would say you accomplished exactly what you sought! I'm glad to know there are others who put such thought into their names.

That's a very interesting question. I consider myself to be a private person, so it gave me pause. But I suppose if it can be innocuous then I will admit--I have become quite fond of the television show Family Feud. At first, I merely watched it because it came on at the same time every day and helped create routine. But I've actually been quite entertained by it. I watch it every single day and make sure I can come home in time to watch it!

It feels a bit silly to say it but I'm glad I was able to share that with someone. If you have something you'd like to share, I'd be happy to hear it!

Sincerely,

Teeny Tansy

@subtlesage

[subtlesage]

Teeny Tansy,

I will admit, I do love a game show. I haven't shifted my schedule to watch them though. My secret is that lately I have been staying up late and sharing my telly snacks with my dog. I normally would not encourage bad behaviors like eating on the sofa or begging, but I've set the bad habit and it only feels fair to let them indulge as well.

I don't share the most buttery pieces of popcorn though. Is that terribly selfish? What other things do you watch normally?

Sincerely,

SubtleSage

[murderespresso]

Murderespresso x Subtlesage

[murderespresso]

Hello subtlesage,

I am skipping completely over this first question, because I think it's stupid. Instead, I've decided to ask my matches increasingly chaotic questions that I've just pulled from the inner machinations of my mind.

That's right -- raw, unfiltered murderespresso thoughts. No online listcicle or ChatGPT from me.

Anyway, your question is: does the carpet match the drapes?

For me the answer is, yes in the metaphorical sense, but no in the literal sense, because I haven't got a decorator's bone in my body and my place is mostly hardwood flooring. I do have some nice blackout drapes in my bedroom though.

Cheers,

murderespresso

@subtlesage

[subtlesage]

Murderespresso,

Very bold. I appreciate being authentically yourself and breaking the mold given to you. It’s definitely not something I would talk about on a first date or email chain, but in the spirit of this I’ll humor you.

Yes. My curtains match my carpet. I don’t really change them up much, they’re both maintained pretty regularly though. I like to keep my space tidy because it makes me feel good in my skin. I was also raised to keep up appearances, but I know that’s superficial. I’d like to think my curtains and carpet aren’t what people judge me by.

How would people describe you in real life? Personality wise.

SubtleSage

[teenytansy]

Sage&Tansy

[teenytansy]

Hello Subtle Sage,

It's very nice to meet you! I was delighted to see myself paired with someone else with a plant-based name. Was this something you chose yourself or a result of the randomizer? Are plants something you feel close to or connected with at all? I hope you don't mind so many questions at once, I am simply curious and unsure where else to start.

Sincerely,

Teeny Tansy

@subtlesage

[subtlesage]

Hi TeenyTansy,

I did choose this name, actually. It felt very relaxed and I do like the smell of sage. I’m a pretty laid back person in most circumstances, I’d like to think so I wanted to make that impression. I wouldn’t say I’m a plant person per se. I think I’ve just surrounded myself by people who are so I’ve learned by osmosis. 😊

I don’t mind the questions. Getting to know each other without the pretense of appearance or background is the whole point of this. I’m excited to get to know the real you. What’s something not many people know about you? If you don’t mind sharing. Doesn’t have to be deep or tragic, just something you want to share with an anonymous friend online.

I’ll match your energy.

Best,

SubtleSage

[milkshakerugby]

To: subtlesage :: sagemilkshake

Greetings,

Wonderful to meet you, etc, etc, etc. I'm very curious about this little social experiment from Town Hall and I hope you are too, darling new friend.

I've already sent off one email answering the prompt and I don't want to do it again, because frankly that's rather boring. So instead, let me go off script -- what are your favorite pair of shoes? Mine are a pair of heeled black boots that make my calves look divine.

Yours most ardently,

milkshakerugby

@subtlesage

[subtlesage]

Hello Milkshakerugby,

I can’t fault you for going out of the box. In fact, I quite enjoy that kind of spontaneity. Unfortunately, my answer isn’t as fun as yours. I’d say my favorite shoes are some brown leather loafers I’ve had for some time. They’re one of the few pairs I have and I’ve gotten them fixed up a few times now. They just fit right.

Turning a new question back to you, since we’re doing our own thing against the grain, what are your thoughts on animals and pets? Do you have any? Love them, hate them? I’ve got one and I think animals can tell the truth behind a person better than we can. What do you think?

Looking forward to continuing our conversation,

SubtleSage