How I Met Your Monster #32

Jarek

Profile:

Jarek, 27

Ratfolk

Likes: Mixed Martial Arts, video games

Dislikes: Staying in one spot for too long

Bio:

Hey, I'm Jack. I try to lead a pretty active lifestyle, so if you're a fan of that, swipe right. That being said, I'm not afraid to hit the breaks and spend a nice evening relaxing at home.

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I met Jarek at some crossfit place I didn't know existed. He was running a class, having people run around to various points and do exercise quickly before running off to do something else. Once they all finished up, he said goodbye to everyone, then noticed I was standing there.

He was a furry dude, which is to be expected with Ratfolk. Unlike some of the ones I've seen before, his fur seems to stay soft and non greasy. He smiled and a bit of his sharp tooth poked out. It was kind of cute. He was wearing red gym shorts and a black t-shirt with some weird mixed martial art logo on it. He was pretty muscular for a ratfolk, but still maintained a bit of his lithe natural body.

"Hey, you must be Vexys. Even prettier than your picture."

I rolled my eyes, "Please. I am so tired of getting hit on in these interviews."

He held his hands up, "Not a problem. I would like to officially apologize. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable at any point."

I went from mentally exhausted to suddenly having a bit of energy, "That is an absolute relief, Jarek. Though I have to ask, what are you doing on Unhinged? You have a solid job, stay active, but it's not your entire personality."

He laughed, "You know, for awhile it was. I was all about working out constantly. I would be here training, then go to train at fighting. Every now and then I would have a fight. Eat, sleep, breathe was an understatement when it came to this. It became a full fledged lifestyle."

"So, what changed?"

"One of the guys I trained with all the time got his arm broken in a fight. He refused to tap, and his opponent finally went over the edge. My buddy was laid up at home, realizing he had nothing else going on if he couldn't work out or fight. He got better, and found some hobbies along the way. As much as I enjoy doing all of this, I promised him that I wouldn't let it keep consuming me. I got back into video games and movies and even picked up reading a bit."

"That's awesome."

"Thanks."

"Sorry if this is a bit offensive, but I've got to say, I haven't seen many buff Ratfolk around."

"By nature, we work better in stealthy fields. But I was never about that. What's the point of running if you're always running away? I would rather be running toward a goal. And exercise became a foundation for that."

My snakes were riled up on top of my head in excitement. They liked this guy. And I had to admit, I did to. He seemed like he opened his mind up to the possibilities of life and ran with it.

"So what are you looking for on the app?"

"Well, it's kind of weird. I'm not solely looking for hookups, but I'm not against it. At the same time, I'm not looking for something long term. There's so much world out there. I think I want something in the medium. Where we're not necessarily dating, but we're still down to get together and have some fun. But instead of a booty call scenario, I still want to occasionally spend time together."

"So basically a romantic but unclingy partner. Like casual dating."

"Yeah, pretty much."

"I can definitely see the plus side of that."

"Oh, for sure," he said. "And if something happens where you just don't want to be in it anymore, or if things get awkward, it can just be a clean break, no problem."

"Have you had much luck finding that on the app?"

He shook his head, "Not really. Most people are looking for something very defined. I've had some people interested but they ghosted out pretty quick. Add in the fact that no matter how buff or active of anything I am, a lot of people just aren't fans of Rats. It happens."

"That sucks."

"For sure. I know I said I wouldn't hit on you, but honestly, you seem like you're kind of interested in the prospect. Maybe not me, but what do you think?'

I thought on some of the more awkward things in my life recently. I was young and ready to just jump into something stupid long term. Something casual yet slightly committed seemed like a good middle ground.

"I have to say, Jarek. I don't hate it. And honestly, I wouldn't mind getting to know you a little more. A lot of people may not be a fan of Ratfolk, but I hold no such prejudice."

"Right on. Want to go to St. Marco's smoothies?"

"Actually, can we go anywhere else?"

We went to a local frozen yogurt store. He picked up the tab and we spend the next few hours really getting to talk to each other about what we wanted in life. I explained to him some of the past few relationships I've had. Our past experiences help form who we are now. So yeah, maybe something will happen with Jarek. Maybe something won't. But I feel a lot better jumping into something that I can leave whenever I'm ready without feeling too much guilt. Something casual and light hearted may just be what I need.

So, readers. My take away is to truly search for what you want for your life. Don't settle and don't make rash decisions. Sitting and thinking and making the right call is important. Most of us only have the one life, you know? See ya.

-Vexys

(Editor's note: Hello, dear readers. I'm happy to say, as you can see, that Vexys is back helping with the blog. We have agreed to remain amicable and professional moving forward. I hope to continue bringing you interesting interviews without all of the extra drama going on in the background. I hope you enjoy. -Silas Donovan)