Are you unattached? That is, divorced, widowed, or never married? Are you childless, or your kids have left the nest? Are you local (which means Marina through Carmel Highlands and out to Mid Carmel Valley- not Salinas, Aromas, Santa Cruz, etc.)?

If you can say yes to all of the above, please continue reading!

I'm a mature, secure, understanding, caring, and emotionally available man who is looking for the same in a woman for a LTR for the rest of our lives. I’m open to marrying again, or living together. What I don’t want is to date for the rest of my life!

I am tired of being alone, but I’m not ready to “settle”. I am more interested in a friendship that leads to a committed relationship than “dating”, which I and likely you, hate. I definitely am a “true gentleman”. It comes second nature to me to open doors, walk on the street side of a woman when on the sidewalk, listen attentively, and respect another's views.

Some women consider me boring because I'm not “dangerous” or a “bad boy”. I'm far from boring, and I don't come with any of the other “benefits” that usually come with the type- lying, cheating, abusing. I’m a great catch for the woman who has outgrown her teenage fantasies.

I was monogamous in my marriage, and I believe in trust and honesty in a relationship. I don't play games. I know that I’m not perfect, but realize that I’m a work in progress. I’ve have had therapy and have learned a lot about myself. I have varied interests and can talk (intelligently) about many subjects. I enjoy talking, real communication, and being intimate (not JUST sexually).

I have two adult daughters (28 and 31) who live in Belgium.

Of course, I’m looking for chemistry.

What am I looking for in a woman? To a certain extent, I'm flexible. I'm interested in a woman that the French describe as being of “that uncertain age”, late forties to mid fifties. A woman of this age has the experience and maturing that ripens her into a full blossom. She knows what she wants, is realistic about it, and isn’t willing to “settle”. She is a true partner in life, and has feelings and desires that she is capable of expressing. She takes life as it comes and deals with it. She doesn’t run away.

Regarding physical appearance, my younger sister once said that I had a wider definition of feminine beauty than most men. I see beauty as a combination of inside and out. A woman can be physically beautiful, but that can be cancelled out by her mental and emotional makeup. On the other hand, a woman can also radiate beauty from the inside that enhances her outward appearance well beyond typical descriptions of attractiveness. This woman takes care of her body and mind, and has an innate sense of style.

Do people actually "date" anymore? I prefer to see if a friendship develops and then see if it evolves into a romantic relationship.

Ah, the first meeting in person! I should have invested in Starbucks or a coffee plantation when I started dating! I prefer to refer to such meetings (not really dates) as a “meet and greet”. We should meet somewhere without a lot of distractions, and maybe then go for a walk to find out about each other.