I am a natural-born optimist. That makes me a glass-is-half-full kind of a guy. I've got a quirky sense of humor; I think Monty Python is hilarious; and I think Dave Barry is the funniest man alive. I have always held myself as optimistically cautious with regards to romance.

I'm like a good book: cover is nice; it seems like spending time together would be time well spent; and the really good parts can't be discovered until you've read a few chapters.

I'm open to the idea of a relationship, but not in any kind of hurry. I've been in long-term relationships before and came out with a few scrapes, so I'm a little gun-shy. What am I looking for in a woman? Well for starters, I'm too honest -- and it gets me in trouble as much as it helps.

I am attracted to girls that would describe themselves as thin/slim or slender; and would describe themselves as attractive. She should be intelligent, open to new things, fun, and adventurous. I prefer a woman who likes that I enjoy taking charge, and is charmed when I open doors for her or walk on the outside of the sidewalk.

I believe a good relationship is like a three-legged stool. The legs are: "Physical Attraction"; "Friendship"; and "Emotional Connection". Ya need all three legs for the stool to work properly. Consider: You can be "physically attracted" to someone, but not have their friendship; you can be "friends" with someone and not be physically attracted to them; and you can be "emotionally connected" to someone (usually a friend or family) but not physically attracted. My point is that it's easy to have two-out-of-three -- but I want all three. And as I noted, I AM an optimist .

My mid-western roots are what make me friendly, helpful and kind to everyone I meet, however, I have reached a stage in my life where I no longer feel the need to apologize for being a man. I know I can't please everyone - but if you can't be true to yourself, you can't be true to others.

If you are up for conversation or just keen to see if sparks fly -- we'll be starting off with something in common!

Ideal first date is at a coffee shop and saying "what the heck are we doing in a coffee shop? Let's go get a beer!"