Friends and co-workers describe me as "smart, funny, and honest," and a friend told me recently that I'm often "overly polite."

I've been told that the "never married" label is a red flag for many women, but I can assure you I'm not the stereoptypical perpetual adolescent who lives in his parents' spare bedroom and plays video games all day. I'm as normal as they come -- above average looking, professionally successful, financial stable, and emotionally grounded. Just never met the right woman (there's actually more to it than that, but I'll save the details for our second or third email).

Many people I've talked to are skeptical or even cynical about on-line dating (one friend recently said that a monkey throwing darts at the local phone book would have a higher percentage), but I've had enough positive experiences to remain open-minded and optimistic. I've been doing this for quite a while and have encountered several dead ends, but I've also met some great women. I'm still hoping to meet a special woman for a long-term, committed relationship.

I'm a native Floridian (but a relative newcomer to Pensacola). I'm interested in sports (watching and participating), travel, movies, live theater, discussing politics and current events, listening to a variety of music, and dining out.

I'm currently hosting two precocious cats (photos on my profile) -- a 4-year-old tabby named Oliver and a 1-year-old tuxedo cat named Daphne, who's temporarily staying with me while her owner is in the midst of a job relocation.

The ideal woman for me would be one who shares at least some of my interests, has a good sense of humor and positive outlook on life, and is successful (by her own definition).

Please don't respond if you smoke, your divorce is not yet final ("currently separated" means "still married"), or if you have excess references in your profile to religion or motorcycles.

Otherwise, if you think we might be a good match, I would like to hear from you.


* * * PLEASE HELP REDUCE THE NUMBER OF HOMELESS ANIMALS IN SHELTERS AND ON THE STREETS BY HAVING YOUR PET SPAYED OR NEUTERED * * *

For a get-acquainted or "blind" date, I like meeting for lunch, a casual dinner, or coffee (I actually don't drink coffee, but I enjoy a good unsweetened iced tea at Starbuck's or similar location). For a subsequent evening date, I would suggest dinner followed by a long get-acquainted talk. I like movies and concerts, but they don't lend themselves to getting to know someone.