Summary

• I wear mismatched socks on dates as a reminder to be myself.
• When shoes are off, they’re a conversation starter that often leads to common ground.
• I am looking for my matching half. DMs welcome via X or Mastodon. 🙂
  

Wholly, wooly myself

I wear mismatched socks on dates. Lest you think I’m totally unhinged, they’re a subtle mismatch. Usually, it’s something like the black and gray variations of my favorite merino wool socks. But yes, they’re intentionally mismatched.

Why in the world do I do this?

First, the socks remind me that I’m looking for someone with whom I can be myself. When I’m tempted to say what I think would most impress the other person instead of expressing what I actually think or feel, my socks keep me grounded.

Second, they’re a conversation-starter in situations where shoes are off, like speed dating events in a salon space. Backpackers and hikers recognize my socks and we’re off to the races: “What have been some of your favorite trips? Go-to trail snacks? Any memorable outdoor fails?” This easily segues into conversation about other pursuits and past-times (e.g., I love orchestral music, cooking with friends, and writing when I’m not training for my next triathlon or trip). My socks set me up to connect with others over things that matter to me. From there, the conversation becomes a chance to discover what matters to the other person and it’s just plain magic when we find common ground. 

Finally, I wear different socks because I hope to find my other half one day, someone who would even share a pair of matching socks with me. Until then, I’ll keep things a little mismatched. :)