I've found that this site (at least so far) is not really all that great for dating.
Way too many rude, inconsiderate, and flaky people, as well as a few um... unique experiences. It's a good thing that I can laugh about it all.

I've been on numerous dates, but most have been less than stellar. A brief description of some experiences over the last 6 months or so...

After a little more than a week of phone calls, I drove an hour away to pick up a woman for dinner. She was pretty, intelligent, and a great conversationalist. The downside you ask? She must have passed gas during our date at least half a dozen times! Two of those times were in the confines of my car! After those two whoppers I made the lightening decision to change course and go to a restaurant with outdoor patio seating. It helped... a little, but the damage had already been done. I understand that she may not have been feeling well, but just let me know and we can reschedule. Strike One!

Then there was "psycho nurse". Again, pretty, athletic, very thoughtful and thought-provoking. Well, after two dates I guess she decides to text me the next day about getting together anddoing something with her when I had already mentioned I had plans with a good friend that day. When I explained I hadn't seen this friend in some time and we had plans for the whole day, she kept texting me every 15 minutes with stuff like "what r u doing now?' and "where r you", etc. Um, stalk much? Strike Two!!

Finally, there was the woman who I emailed and then chatted on the phone with numerous times over the course of two weeks. Everything seemed great and we had a lot in common. Well, our schedules finally opened up to allow a date. I drive out to her place (from Arlington to Addison) with expectations of a great date. Upon arrival and knocking on the door, she answers with purse in hand, and HOLY COW! The overpowering odor of cat urine hit me like a truck! I'm also allergic to cats. After trying to compose myself, I notice there are 3 cats circling her ankles and also 4 or 5 more in the house behind her. And those are just the ones I could see from outside the front door! After driving all that way, and also in the interest of being a gentleman, we still left and I took her out to dinner even though I already knew... Strike Three!!

So...

After Psycho Nurse, Poot Girl, and Cat Lady, I suppose I'm still open to going out with someone from this site, but don't be surprised if I'm a bit frazzled if you choose to get in touch. LOL In the meantime, I'm finding that my experiences with women I make first contact with haven't been so great, so I'll just hang out in the forums awhile. If any of you ladies would like to get in touch, and can assure me that a date with you won't require a gas mask, pepper spray, or a nagging urge for a long, scalding, disinfecting shower afterward, feel free! Oh, and to be serious for a minute, I do have a busy schedule, so I'd prefer if you live somewhere around Arlington or Mid-Cities area.

I guess a little about me is order.
Intelligent, analytically-minded, and driven with a sentimental streak, avid reader, gainfully employed with comfortable income, I own a house and everything I have is paid for except my mortgage (no debt), a bit of a romantic at times, love dogs (especially labs), I put the toilet seat down, been told I'm a great conversationalist and good listener, and I recently found out during happy hour that the women in my office have voted me as having the "best butt".

I'm open to most things when it comes to women. Intelligence and common sense are required. Hair color/length, eye color, general features, height vs. weight, etc. are all relative. But physical attraction is important so I do have 2 requirements. I have a youthful appearance for my age, so I prefer to date in the 24 to 30 range, unless you also have a youthful appearance. I also try to keep myself in good physical shape, so I tend to be attracted to thin/athletic/slender women. Since those things are loosly defined, my preference is that your butt isn't bigger than mine :D And I'm not impressed by really large chests. Just not my thing...

I'm open to a lot of things, but our plans need to allow us to talk and get to know each other. I like first dates to be relaxed and comfortable with good conversation. Maybe a few drinks or lunch and coffee and see where we go from there.

A funny quote I heard recently by a comedian...

"I want to open up a restaurant called 'I Don't Care' so I can finally eat at that place my girlfriend is always talking about." LOL Now that's funny!!