#402. horror stories, confessing crushes & spiritual retreats
TLD HER: 20 QUESTIONS
Age: 26
Relationship Status: Single
Occupation: Freelance Graphic Designer and Bharatanatyam Dance Teacher
Income: Freelance
Astrological Sign: Virgo
Describe your ideal morning:
I’d sleep in until 10 in the morning, freshen up, take a nice long shower, have some brunch, and make plans to meet up with some friends.
What is the last thing you think about before going to sleep?
Depends on my mood of the day. Sometimes I listen to music, so my last “thought” would be catchy parts from that song. Or if I’m pissed off at someone, I’d be swearing in my mind (though not as much as before). Or I’d think of someone I have a crush on and picture her smile.
If you could talk openly about any of the following ‘taboo’ subjects at a dinner party: politics, religion, money, or sex, what is one question you would pose to the table?
Just one question? If it’s an opening one, I’d ask what everyone’s thoughts on same-sex marriage are, considering I’m gay. I want to know that the company I’m with is good with my existence as a person.
What is something you wish were taught in school?
What’s a good way to apply for a job? How do I word a cover letter? How do I adapt my resume to the job descriptions?
How do you define personal happiness?
When I can go to bed every night, feeling satisfied with what happened throughout the day, nothing weighing heavily on my mind, and feeling fulfilled with whatever I do in my life.
When do you feel most helpless?
When I argue with someone (think family), and it’s not resolved. Sometimes I don’t want to resolve it just yet, or I don’t know how to at that moment. That’s where I feel helpless.
What is something you are nostalgic about?
When I look at old childhood photos of me with my friends, good memories come to mind. Or when I look at old artwork from school.
When does, or will, your life feel complete?
When I’ve a good paying job that allows me to travel, give money away to people who need it, and also have an amazing life partner.
What is something you have forgiven, but will never forget?
Many particularly bad fights with my brother that became physical. He’s nearly broken my nose many times.
What is one decision that seemed small at the time, but completely changed the direction or course of your life?
Giving a friend of mine a flower because it matched the dress she was wearing throughout the day. It was a gorgeous dress and a very pretty flower. Her face lit up in a beautiful smile, and I realized I had feelings for her. Completely unexpected.
What is something that comes easily to you?
Singing or dancing. My family is artistically talented, so the arts are pretty fun and easy for me. But again, it’s a honed skill. If I don’t practice, I’d lose that “talent”.
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
My first dance performance in three years, after injuring my tailbone in 2022. It took a lot, mentally, to just perform on stage. It was a 2.5 minute dance piece, but it was so much more than that to me.
Where is your favorite place on Earth?
Chinmaya International Residential School (CIRS), Coimbatore, in India. I’ve gone there for spiritual youth camps almost every year since 2014. It’s a huge, gorgeous boarding school, surrounded by forests and mountains in the area. There are dozens of peacock families, wild boars, many birds, many many bugs, and elephants in the mountains. I love going back there, and I miss it every time I leave for home.
If you woke up tomorrow and were in charge of EVERYTHING, what would be the first thing you would do to make the world a better place?
Death penalty for rapists.
Finish this sentence: money can’t buy you happiness, but it can afford you…
An affordable life, unfortunately.
What is the best thing you have been gifted or purchased on your own within the last year?
I can’t think of any within the last year, because I don’t get a lot of gifts (though I love them). Back in 2024, I bought myself a replica One Ring from Lord of the Rings, for less than $60, which was surprisingly cheap for how good the quality of it is.
If you could give a woman who is 10 years younger than you a single piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to take risks and have fun while doing so.
Is there anyone who knows everything about you?
No. Everyone knows most things about me, but there are certain things I keep secret from every group (parents, friends, etc.).
If you knew that life was short, what is one thing you would do right now?
Confess to my crushes now.
If you knew that life was long, what is one thing you would do right now?
Confess to my crushes now and start saving up money for travels.
BONUS: Tell me something good.
I’m currently working on a horror novel. It’s a collection of short horror stories each chapter focuses on different fears/ phobias. It’s a long process, but it’s a lot of fun.