I would prefer that if there is anything you would really like to know about me, you simply ask. But, and such is the nature of a "personal" ad, I can tell you a few things to pique your interest.

First, I care about my friends and honesty above all other things. I am a very open and honest person, nothing is off limits, nothing is taboo, I have nothing to hide, and I very rarely keep secrets.

I am not a "guy" in the stereotypical sense of the word. I try very hard not to lie, I would never cheat, and I am not in the habit of telling anyone simply what they wish to hear. I am in search of new female friends, and would be quite happy if something were to grow from that, though not let down at all if it didn't. I feel I get along with and understand women better than I do men. Of course, it's more a curse than anything else, since I'm sure any woman reading this knows that even though you want a nice guy, in theory, you seldomly actively seek us out.

I am a very romantic guy, but I wouldn't want to use romanticism to get someone to like me. A first date should be something simple, coffee, or a walk somewhere, something not very imtimate, so there's little pressure, and we can just talk. Maybe a movie we both want to see, and we could talk before and after. I'm all about flowers, and holding doors for people and such, but those things have only a small place on a date with someone you have never met. Winning someone's heart, or even friendship, is about who you are and what you have to offer, not about gestures. Romance is about caring, and you can't really care about someone you don't know.

Please do NOT message me if the first, or only thing you are going to ask me is why I don't have a picture. No, I am not suspicious, and the fact that I CHOOSE not to post a picture does not make me a serial killer.

The fact of the matter is, we live in a very shallow and superficial society, and I feel that posting a picture would be akin to posting my occupation, or how much I make. I don't want someone who will decide whether or not I am worthwhile as a human being based on my appearance, I was not raised like that. I understand that attraction plays a role in romance, but I also think most people greatly exaggerate that role, as I have experienced the growth of attraction through getting to know someone, and I think most people would experience that if they weren't so gung ho about appearance. The bottom line is, if you ask me why I don't have a picture, and it's the only thing you say in your email, it tells me that what I look like is more important to you than *who I am,* and to be perfectly frank, I find that disgusting and disheartening. Such is the state of the society we live in though. However, I ask that you get to know me, give me a chance, and I can promise that I am unlike any guy you have ever met.