Offline Dating: Find the Joy
Heyyyyy (with the intention of getting you to submit a personal)
A little introduction for the many new subscribers to start, as well a call to action!
I started this newsletter because I was and am convinced there has to be a better way to date than the apps. If you read my personal Substack, you might have noticed I’ve been feeling a little…cynical about dating in general1. This weekend, though, I realized that attitude was keeping me down just as much as the apps. Dating can be hard and frustrating and shitty…but it can also be joyful. And if I stop looking for the joy in it, what am I doing?
Because here’s the thing: you do not have to be in a relationship. You do not have to date. So the only reason to do it is if it’s making your life better. I want Offline Dating to be my contribution to dating that makes your life better, that brings some joy, that helps you meet someone who makes you smile uncontrollably every time you say their name.
But in order to do that, I need y’all to be brave and submit your own personal. Be weird and fun and specific. Your person is out there. Let’s find them.
Okay, onto this week’s listings!
40F, straight. New Pasadena resident, show me around! Likes: thrifting, working out, dogs, libraries. Dislikes: cucumbers, hot weather. I have a small, horrible old dog. Seeking a fellow leftist, especially if you have a beard. IG @allegraaawow
42F in Long Beach. Emmy-losing writer, mom, regular dinner party hostess, general enthusiast. I love the way Alan Cumming pronounces “murder” on Traitors, a bagel with the lightest schmear and lox sliced so thin you can see through it, and the New York Times crossword (current streak only two days, I cannot even discuss what happened this Saturday). Looking for some combination of 1974 Kris Kristofferson, Mel Brooks (any age), and the guy on my TikTok FYP whose entire bit is reviewing sticky toffee puddings, but I’ll settle for someone who wants to do dinner and dancing at the Garibaldina Society. sleepyinlosangeles@gmail.com
62M, Los Angeles. Former NASCAR racing guy who’s lived a few lifetimes, survived some hard chapters, and moved to California for sunshine, good energy, and a fun second act. Widower. Cancer survivor. Still curious. Still laughing. Looking for easy chemistry, playful connection, and adult fun — no drama, no games, no forced forever plans. ✔ Smart ✔ Affectionate ✔ Likes laughing more than texting essays ✔ Under 5'6" preferred. Best dates start as coffee and accidentally turn into stories we shouldn’t tell in public. If you’re warm, fun, and know life is short… say hi. grossenbacherterry@gmail.com
44F in West LA, seeking a man and embracing the cheesiness because I don’t know how to make this sound anything but silly. I love to laugh, and I get along best with people who love a good joke but also can have a serious conversation and pay their bills on time. I’m moderately active, love watching sports and stand-up, reading, TV, movies, spending time with friends, long walks on the beach - all the things that everyone likes. Liberal AF. Passionate about affordable housing and mass transit. Love my family and believe that kindness makes the world go round. 5’8”. If you know that Die Hard is a Christmas movie we’ll probably get along great. theallielee@gmail.com
Hi Cuties! I'm a 38F pansexual LA native, and professional silly goose. My hobby is trying new hobbies and I'd love to pursue passions and interests alongside a fellow fun-loving, nice person who also does not want kids! I'm 5'11" since that matter to some! gilli.nissim@gmail.com
45/F/NELA. I'm an adventurer looking for a partner with who to explore the many aspects of life: travel, community, intellect, spirit, sex, etc. I'm close with my family and adult son, and I still have lots more love to give and fun to have! I am interested in building a foundation with someone that can lead to a deeper experience. I enjoy visiting new places and having new experiences. IG: @thechangequeen
40F, Santa Barbara. I’ve been described as a classic beauty with a twist. Not sure what the twist is but I’ll take it. Love the beach, hiking, animals, culture, concerts, all the arts. I also dance, play piano, and started writing songs for fun. Turn-ons: presence, touch, scent, chemistry, cuddling, and sushi. Looking for a man who can make me laugh, take me on adventures, and someone who is truly ready for and wants a life partner. Not interested in casual. Is that you? Respond to oceanrosebunny@gmail.com
32F who is bisexual and cute and normal. I live in Hollywood and I have a tiny mean white dog and I like vintage cookbooks and Silver Lake Reservoir walks and Jewish delis and French ‘60s pop and staying inside on a beautiful day to watch TV. Email me if you’re chill!!!!!! emma.specter@gmail.com
I’m a 26F Black woman based in Long Beach. I’m a teacher and grad student who somehow balances tiny humans by day and thrillers, playlists, and gym sessions by night. Originally rooted here and fully in love with it, I’m looking for a man who wants something real—intentional, serious, and actually building toward a future. I’m drawn to someone who loves humor, great music, movies (especially the slightly unhinged, A24-adjacent kind), and trying a new restaurant just because. I’m a pop culture nerd with tattoos and big feelings, and I’d rather skip small talk and talk about what shaped you. If you’re kind, and emotionally intelligent, we’ll probably get along. @tajahamira 🖤
I’m a plucky, funny, 31F afro/latina based in DTLA. Originally from Miami, I came out to LA to go to school and have realized I actually love this city. Looking for a man that wants something more serious, that enjoys humor and music and movies. A pop culture nerd with great taste and loves a new restaurant. xoxo, hope I find you. @anabelinigogo
33M Philadelphian (Go Birds!) living in Thousand Oaks. I’m an actor/writer and works for a security company for a hospital. I’m looking for someone kind, passionately romantic, and adventurous. Someone who has a love for film and enjoys going to the gym. chrismoaneylaw@gmail.com
42M in Los Angeles. My ideal day includes a tough workout, a really good cup of coffee, and a long walk with my two dogs somewhere beautiful. Friends would describe me as thoughtful, steady, and a little introspective—but I’m also playful and quick to laugh. I enjoy conversations that start light and somehow end up philosophical. By day I run a small infrastructure consulting firm helping deliver large transportation projects. On the side I roast coffee as a passion project that started as a pandemic experiment and never stopped. I’m hoping to meet a kind, emotionally intelligent woman who’s excited about building a meaningful life—and hopefully a family someday. Someone curious, active, and grounded who appreciates both adventure and quiet moments. If this sounds like your kind of life, I’d love to hear from you.bkluzniak@gmail.com
41M in Santa Monica. Mindful, fit, high-EQ, progressive, and conscientious. I’ve traveled the world, built a successful company, and found great balance - comfortable in movement or stillness, seriousness or silliness... I'm looking for someone similarly inclined to build a life with! As an Enneagram 8w9, I’m direct, open, and deeply dedicated to the people and things I care about. Often found at WLA coffee shops with an oat flat white, reading, schmoozing, and petting all the dogs. For fun, I love to surf, make music, and am super into photography. I’ll sing you songs, but prepare to become *very* familiar with the music of Oasis. Contact: @EFSound on IG
I'm a 36 year old dude in sunny Hermosa Beach and I am looking for someone to help me practice my hip-hop dance moves! I can talk about deep, emotional topics or joke around and make you laugh! I'd write something else clever here, but I can't think of any so how about you send me an email and I can say it there? Alexgpuch@gmail.com
36M, LA. 90s&2000s music (NSYNC and Backstreet Boys are my jam), crossfit daily, homeowner, 863 credit score, and have a Costco business membership. I can push any shopping cart with ease and carry all the grocery bags in one trip. Child-free and don’t want kids. Looking for that DINK lifestyle! Respond to jajalawl@gmail.com
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Rancid. My attitude has been rancid.