So it has come to this. Many of us never expected to be here, but here we are.

Note: Please do not pass judgment by the hats covering my brow. Although I do not show my teeth, I have a full set, and frequent the dentist.
The narrative I share below is one that has come from much introspection on my part!

We have found our way here for one reason or another. For me, it has become more, and more apparent that it is a challenge to find someone, let alone someone genuine in LA. Sure I have attained, amassed, created, and endured quite a few things, but how much fun is it to have accomplished so much and not be able to share it with someone special, that truly and honestly wants to be there sharing it with you.

I approach this optimistically, with an open mind. Hopefully you do as well. As I have grown and matured, I do not frequent the same spots as I used to, think the same thoughts as I used to, nor do I do things I used to do. That being said, I am more refined.
Trading in ventures to clubs for smaller, more intimate gatherings where my friends and I partake in good food/drinks, engaging conversation, etc. Mix in a live music/sporting event and I am good. When you reach a certain point in your life, nurturing personal relationships becomes more and more important. International travel is the icing on the cake! Traveling the world, and being exposed to different cultures, is enlightening, and humbling. I complain very little because I have seen people survive in rural, and desolate parts of the world in extreme poverty, yet maintain happiness.

There are many other things that I continue to do, but I tend to keep it simple.

I do not live by many rules. Rules spoil the fun and mystery. I am loyal and honest. I bolster my words with actions, and vice-versa. Instead of getting too cerebral and losing others interest by giving a long laundry list of what I am looking for, know that I am open to discovery. We all think we know what we are looking for, until something that goes against everything we believe in, walks into our lives and turns things upside down. Therefore, why would I limit myself to a simple list?
I am an aggressive person who takes advantage of opportunities so that I will live life without regret.

From my experiences, Online Dating and Traditional Dating are both unique, but share the same basic premise. An attraction to a picture will warrant one to dig deeper into a profile to gain a sense of intelligence, or chemistry. In traditional dating, a physical attraction warrants one to communicate directly with that person to determine intelligence, or chemistry. Love is often inexplicable. We often do not know what attracts us to a person. It could be a smile, or some other physical feature. Love knows no boundaries, color, etc. However, just as in the real world, we will come across people that do not share that same attraction to us. With that being said, there is a need to lighten up in this forum, and not get upset when that happens. Honestly people, I do not expect for someone that I am interested in to return a message. This does not mean I lack confidence, because I am extremely confident without arrogance. I just understand that people are often inundated with mail on this website, because it is FREE, and offers a smorgasbord of potential suitors. There are a myriad of reasons why someone will not return a message. Some may not be attracted because of looks alone, for some it could be age, yet others it could be something else physical, or a lack of substance in one's profile. Although it is 2009, for some, it could be one's Race that is a deal breaker. I do not have any hang-ups about Race; however, I am not naive and know, that alone can be a huge factor(i.e. deal-breaker) for some. If I am attracted to someone, then I am attracted to them, that's it! All that aside, I get it! That is why one must be prepared to move on quickly when participating in on-line dating. In traditional dating, if someone is not interested, you move on. The same rule is applicable here. Reciprocation is the key, and I cannot stress that enough. If it is non-existent, that means there is no interest, and one should not question why, just move on. When I hear back from someone it is a bonus. Why, well I understand that everyone's time is valuable, and I respect those that take the time to reciprocate if there is a general interest. One just needs to be careful to ascertain whether that general interest is genuine!

To all, I wish best of luck on the journey of finding that one love, that one person we hope to kiss good night, and wake to first thing in the morning!

In the beginning, I think it is best to keep it simple. I for one would like to see if there is any chemistry before spending time with someone, and if there is, go from there. Good atmosphere/environment, good conversation, and drinks.
BTW, although meeting for coffee appears safe and the standard these days, I believe it is generic, and one of the most un-romantic places two people can meet to determine if chemistry exists.