The time we can have together is precious: time to enjoy everyday, mundane things together; time to take off somewhere for a weekend or a couple weeks to see places we haven't seen before or would like to see again; time for the people and adtivities we enjoy; time to hold one another close each night and each morning. Things need not be complex or glamorous in order to be joyous.

I have satisfying work, a kid I'm crazy about when she isn't driving me crazy, the physical and mental energy to enjoy everything I do and have something left over. I approach my life with passion and intensity, and appreciate others who do the same. I have pretty indelible care-taking instincts, and taking care of the people who I'm close to is extremely important to me. "I've got the time and the place and I've got rhythm, now all I need's the girl to go with 'em." (I quote musical theater songs a lot -- what's more, I sing them at, or even without, the drop of a hat.)

I hope to find a woman to share my time with me, now and in the future, who will want to be as close to me as I want to be to her, who likes to be held and kissed, who is a sensual creature, who has in no way given up on herself, whose intelligence and energy and humor make everyday conversation a delight.

The usual laundry lists of characteristics -- race, religion, work and income, age, etc. -- don't much interest me. I would admit, however that, certain things -- ongoing substance abuse, mean-spiritedness, being excessively larger than I am -- probably wouldn't work for me. With those limited exceptions, it's someone's the human qualities that make me take notice.

The reason for a first date is to start knowing each other, so something that makes conversation possible is the key. The could be the classic dinner and/or drinks, museum stroll, baseball game, walk on the trail, visit to the zoo, evening of jazz, pool or bowling outing etc. I'd put off a movie or theater or symphony excursion to a subsequent date after some conversation has already taken place.