Vitals: Female, 32, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

About Me:
When you meet me, I might overwhelm you because I am very friendly and talkative. If I think we have just one little thing in common, I’ll probably invite you over for a cup of tea or coffee. Most likely, you’ll receive a call or e-mail from me the very next day.

I love to make new friends and have a lot of practice at it because my husband, toddler son, and I move every two to three years. So far, we’ve lived in the U.S. (I am from California), Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam. We also have close ties to Singapore where my husband’s family lives.

My days are spent with our two-year-old but I’m always looking for something fun to do and some fun people to do them with. Every week, my son and I go window shopping, eat out, swim, go to the park, play in the sandbox, and go to local cultural attractions. When I get some time to myself, I like to hang out with my husband, read, surf the web, write in my blog and read others’ blogs, cross stitch, and make other needlecrafts.

My passion is learning about the world whether that means science, world events, or other people. Do you think we have a lot to learn about each other?

About the One I’m Looking For:
My favorite people are those who are sincere and generous with everyone whether or not they are in the same social class. It’s especially important that you like kids because my son goes everywhere with me.

My friends don’t have to have a graduate degree, but it’s important that they are intelligent with common sense. They follow through on their promises and try to make it to get-togethers on time.

I like people with hobbies. I would love it if we had some hobbies in common, but if we can interest each other in our respective hobbies, that would be great too! It’s boring when you’re only interested in talking about your kids (if you have any) or work. It’s even more boring when all you do is complain about other people, your husband, or your life.

The right friend knows that she has to do the calling once in a while instead always waiting for me to call. I will always call and ask you to come over and to do something fun, but I appreciate it when you make the effort too.

My Idea of Our Perfect First Outing:
When we meet and my toddler tries to talk to you, you bend down and acknowledge him, maybe even play with him a little. We go out for breakfast and when it’s time to pay, you contribute your share and a little more just like I always do. When out shopping, you enjoy looking but don’t feel the need to buy everything in sight. We talk about everything including our past and opinions on current events. If my son starts complaining because he’s tired or bored, you aren’t annoyed and understand if I need to go home early for his afternoon nap.

My Perception of an Ideal Friendship:
Complete and utter dependability. We care about each other but not in a suffocating way. We can count on each other whenever there’s a need – from restaurant recommendations to watching over our home or husband when either of us are out of town. An ideal friendship would be one in which we really understand each other; every idiom, turn of phrase, slang. And if we don’t, we’re not afraid to ask. Body language is important too. I’m hoping to find a kindred spirit.

What I’ve Learned from Past Friendships:
Friendship is something to be nurtured by contact. In the beginning, it’s difficult to really get to know each other unless we spend time together talking and hanging out. So if you’re not willing to put in the effort, then we’ll probably never be more than acquaintances.

I can count the number of very close friends using just my fingers and some toes. My friends make extraordinary efforts to listen to me, keep track of what I’m up to via my blog or e-mails, send me care packages (super nice but totally not required), and make me feel welcome in their lives. But it’s not just about them doing things for me. I try just as hard to let them know that I car
e about them and think of them often. Thanks to all of our dedication, our friendships last and endure despite distance and infrequent phone calls or face time.

Flakes and I don’t get along, so don’t say something and not follow through. If that happens more than a few times, I won’t be calling you much anymore.

And finally, I like people who can give and take some joshing. Know anybody named Josh?

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