Nothing special, just a plain, working class, 41-year-old man and I'm what such a thing looks and acts like. Very active in the Gay Pride movement and other artistic, cultural and lefty/community activist interests. (It's all in the list above; please ask if you want to know more.) Einstein once said that it's everyone's responsibility to give back to the world at least as much as they take from it; it's a credo I try to live by every day.

Turning forty in 2008 left me with a lot of mixed feelings but I gradually came to see how liberating it was. I now have a great appreciation for the more important and practical things in life like home, health, loyalty, the work ethic and more. As such I've little patience for all the ego, selfishness and superficiality that Queer culture so eagerly embraces. Still, like everyone else, I do have hopes and dreams of uninhibited things I'd like to do in my life one day. Maybe you could nudge me into doing some of them.

In search of a masculine, approachable, down to earth and stable man around my own age who respects himself and others. A good-natured sense of humour, an expressive personality and artistic/creative talent all score extra points. While physical attraction does play a part (as it must), substance and dignity always trump stats. Not really sure about what I want in terms of a relationship but willing to just go with the flow and see where things lead.

I hope some of this spurs your interest. However, I value personal space quite highly so out of respect for yours I most likely won't make the first move. Please don't think me rude or aloof if I seem distant; I'm just reluctant to disturb you and erring on the side of caution. If by chance I do approach you, I come in good faith but the ball is still in your court. All I ask is that you be forthcoming enough to say something interesting about yourself in your profile and post a reasonable face pic. I'm very selective about people I see online so please make an effort.

No photo, no reply. No exceptions. And if you're a drug user, a heavy drinker, "discreet", looking for a third party to spice up your open relationship or any combination thereof, pay no attention to me because I'm of no use to you.

Thanks for your time.

Dinner and a movie? That's fine, but how about a play or a concert instead? Getting together for coffee? We all know that's code for a hookup. Meeting for drinks at a bar? Gay men always congregate in bars - no wonder so many of us have a drinking problem! Typical fare just bores me to no end so let's do something pleasantly different and original.

And please...leave your cell phone off.