I'm a 24 year old guy who has given the online dating thing a try a couple times before, but never really gave it enough time to pan out. After the latest round of offline dating heartbreak, I need to move forward and I'm back to give this another whirl.

To let you know a little bit more about me...

--- I'm a college graduate. I have a bachelor's degree in marketing and I also have my master's degree in business administration.

--- I have a job - I'm not a bum. Granted, it's not a terrific job (retail sales), but it makes ends meet for now. I did have a much better job up until a couple months ago, but it simply wasn't working out and I was squeezed out of the company during some economic-induced downsizing. This also means I am living at home right now, which is not the ideal situation, but hey - you gotta do what you gotta do.

--- I like most of the "regular" guy things - messing around with cars, going to sports games, watching TV, having a beer with my friends, listening to music, etc. I also openly admit to being a little bit of a nerd, in that I like to read, have a great appreciation for art, and enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors.

--- I know everyone says this, but I tend to be sarcastic and a little bit cynical. It's just the way I am. I love to joke around and laugh. If you can make me laugh, you've probably got me for good.

--- I do not smoke. I do not do drugs. I do drink socially - a beer or two while hanging out with friends once or twice a week, usually. I'm also good for the occasional party here and there. However...I am not into the "club" scene, and I do not spend my weekends going out and spending a ton of money getting drunk. Don't get me wrong, that can be fun, but that stage of my life has come and gone.

--- For better or for worse, I am usually brutally honest. I AM NOT A LIAR. I AM NOT A CHEATER. A solid relationship should be built on a foundation of trust and honesty.

--- I'm a lover and not a fighter. I know that's another cliche, but bear with me here. I will do anything I can to help my friends and loved ones be happy. I will bend over backwards for the people who are most important to me. I would give the shirt off my back if that's what someone needed. I am a firm believer in karma so that is what influences my behavior, to an extent.

--- I believe everyone has a soulmate somewhere out there. Like a lot of other people, I have thought I found mine before, but it wasn't meant to be. So, I will keep looking - and that's why I'm here. Like most people, I would eventually like to get married, start a family, and basically be successful. However, I haven't set a timetable for that or anything. It happens when it happens.

Anyhow...I guess that covers the basics. If I missed anything that you're curious about, please ask. As far what I look for in a woman, I'm not incredibly picky nor do I have any right to be, but everyone has a basic idea of what they're looking for...so here we go:

--- Ideally, you are between the ages of 18 and 25. However, a person's maturity level is much more important to me than their actual age. I have met 18 year olds who are far more mature than some 24 year olds that I know, and vice versa. It's all in how you act and carry yourself.

--- Ideally, you live within a reasonable distance of York, PA. I'm not up for any long-distance stuff. I don't believe that a couple needs to be joined at the hip, but if I'm dating someone, I would like to see her more than once a month!

--- Ideally you are employed, or at least looking. But - as someone who had a job knocked out from under them in the current state of the economy - I can totally sympathize with anyone who is jobless at the moment.

--- It's okay if you have a child. However, I AM NOT looking to get into a situation where there is a lot of "daddy drama".

--- No smokers, no druggies, and no heavy drinkers, please. None of those jive with my lifestyle...that's all.

--- I'm not a superficial jerk, so I'm certainly not going to list a whole bunch of "perfect woman" appearance requirements here. I mean, just look at me - clearly I'll never be mistaken for Brad Pitt. I fully understand the concept of what is and is not "in my league". I will let it slip that I am a complete sucker for a set of beautiful blue eyes, though.

If you're still with me at this point, thanks for hanging in there. Please excuse my occasional brutal honesty, but that's just how I am...really, I'm a nice guy ;) I am fresh out of a rather tumultuous couple of months on the relationship roller coaster, so I am not necessarily looking to jump into something serious immediately. Besides, I think it's essential that two people get to know each other as friends before they move beyond that point.

I'm sure I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to drop me a line and we'll see what happens from there!

I'm not really big on the traditional "dinner and a movie" type of first date, but if that's what works for a particular person, then I can go with that. I think a first date should be something relatively simple - maybe just going out for coffee or a drink, and/or a walk in a park, so there is time to talk and get to know each other. Plus, that way, if things just aren't clicking for whatever reason, you're only stuck with me for as long as it takes you to finish your drink, rather than enduring a whole awkward meal! ;)