I grew up in Chattanooga, TN and was trained well on how a gentleman treats a lady. You can expect respect.

I like socializing at the local coffee shop/book store. I'm attending a couple of book clubs (reading is a hobby that discovered me about 6 years ago and has been getting ever deeper in the past two).

I enjoy salsa dancing (I've got the basics down but need to practice more than once a week if I'm going to get any better..) and I may start swing dancing next. I like to go for simple walks alone, in a group, or with a special person. I like easy day hikes. I have a "multi-trek" hybrid bike I use to get from place to place (when it is in good condition), but I do not ride in races or pelotons.

My 16 year-old daughter and I have regular movie nights together (usually on Friday). I enjoy plays. I listen to public radio - "This American Life" for stories and "The World Cafe" for music.

Speaking of music; I like Acoustic/Folk/Pop (Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan, Dar Williams, Nanci Griffith) blending into Rock (Joan Osborne, Marc Cohn, Neil Young, The Cranberries, The Wallflowers). I even like some artists listed as Country (Kasey Chambers, for example).

For a first date, I prefer anything that gives us a chance to talk. Simple things like a walk around the lake, getting coffee, or having dinner. A concert or a play only if there will be time before and/or after for conversation. I want us to get to know each other. Maybe some of these do not meet the definition of a "date"? So be it - call it whatever you want; this is where I want to start.