A little bit about me:

I’m well educated, financially stable and well ahead of the game for a woman my age in terms of perceived success in western society. That being said, I know there are other areas in my life that I would like to fulfill.

I’m very adventurous, fun, not afraid to travel overseas on my own..I’m just as comfortable in a mud hut in Africa as I am at a formal event in the big city. I have a very clear idea of the qualities I would like in a partner, however, I also realize that just because someone may match those qualities “on paper”, doesn’t mean there is a physical or emotional connection. I do at least need someone who makes me laugh, is willing to travel to 3rd world countries, intellectually stimulating with a positive outlook on life and lives a healthy lifestyle. I always try to treat people with kindness and respect; this means I also expect the same in return. Life is precious and it's important for me to spend time with people who are uplifting.

As per this site: I hesitated with what I should select under "I'm looking for...". Ultimately, something with long term potential would be nice, but I realize it needs to begin with a first date. At the same time, I'm not looking for an abundance of random dates, as I'm quite content with my life at the moment. A solid friendship with a potential partner is important to me and since I'm new to the city...I think it's a good place to start.

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The above is typically my entire profile; however, the longer it has been posted, the more I think I need to provide additional detail to help narrow your search. What I have written is based on emails/experiences I've had from this site. Please excuse its length:

-I'm extremely new to dating websites and dislike them for a variety of reasons. I still prefer to meet people when I'm out simply enjoying life. That being said, I feel like I should keep my profile posted as opportunities can so easily be missed if someone doesn't stop me in public to say hello. (While stalking is obviously not acceptable - I'm more than open to people approaching me when I'm sitting at a coffee shop, browsing in a book store, enjoying the sunshine in a park or any other public place I happen to be. You will know fairly quickly if I'm interested and engaged in the conversation).
-I'm not on this site to cure any form of boredom and prefer to not spend my evenings on the computer. I believe dating at this age is a process to figure out if someone has the potential to become an exclusive long term partner. If you're not ready for a relationship (or use that as an excuse - as I admit to doing in my younger years), I'm not the girl for you. At the same time, I'm still an advocate of taking things slowly and getting to know someone - but I'd like to avoid spending time and energy on those who are not seeking a similar future goal. I'm potentially open to friendships though if the chemistry just isn't there.
-I need my partner to be able to express themselves and communicate openly, honestly and courageously. I'm a strong, independent, intuitive woman and it will take a man with very strong character to stand by my side. I'm not intimidated to call you on poor behaviour, especially if it's directed toward me.
-Despite my point above, I still have a very soft, nurturing, compassionate side to me and miss caring for someone. I've learned I can be completely content on my own, but now I'm at a stage where finding a partner is a desire, not a necessity.
-I'm very much a summer girl and spring through autumn, I'm outside as often as possible. Winter I tolerate and wouldn't mind getting back into cross-country skiing, snow shoeing or try ice-climbing - but it would be great if you were open to escaping winter permanently. If skiing/snowboarding/snowmobiling is your passion - that will likely be a deal-breaker for me.
-I love living in a city, but am passionate about spending time outdoors, specifically nature-propelled outdoor activities. My idea of fun does not include motorized vehicles tearing through the woods or paying for lift tickets at a ski hill. (I do have downhill skis, but don't want a partner who hits the slopes every weekend).
-Healthy eating is extremely important to me and I do have some food allergies. If you're looking for someone to cook meat and potatoes - again, I'm not the right choice for you.
-I do not have cable, but enjoy watching movies. I would love it if you could say the same.
-I'm fairly spiritual to a certain extent, but am not usually comfortable with dating someone who is part of an organized religion.
-While the thought of primary coloured toys in my home causes me a fair bit of anxiety; I still have a desire at this point in my life to have children. If you do not want children, maybe we can talk if I'm still single in my late 30's. :)
-I'm a firm believer in spending time together, but also having our own soul fulfilling activities apart. I believe maintaining that lifestyle is very important even if children eventually come into the picture. I do differentiate time apart for enriching activities from just going out for drinks with the boys because you simply don't want to be home with your family.
-I would also like to be with someone who enjoys their career, but is not defined by it and appreciates a healthy balance between work and play.

I realize perfection doesn't exist, nor do I expect it. I've dated and cared deeply for people who wouldn't have matched the above list because "something" else still felt right. I suppose these sites are a bizarre and unnatural form of "shopping" for someone - so the least I can do is be straight up and let you know what I'd be hoping for in an "ideal" world.

I do appreciate tasteful, well thought out e-mails and try to respond even if I've noticed red flags from your profile out of courtesy; however, I may not always be able to. Please note: I'm reluctant to respond to people who have very little written on their profile (but it certainly doesn't need to be the novel I've written!) or have questionable pictures or ones without being fully clothed. If we are dating exclusively and have chemistry - I will find out what you look like at the right time.

If you've actually made it this far and can appreciate that I still have a light-hearted/fun side to me, I'd love to hear from you.