...applies outside of the bedroom as well:-)

One of my greatest joys is rediscovering the world through the eyes of my children. Sharing a new wonder with them, seeing their eyes light up as they learn something new helps me feel like a kid again. Encouraging them as they develop their own passions has also helped me understand myself better as well. Going on adventures with them and being spontaneous keeps me feeling young.

Experiencing wonder and excitement like that by sharing once in a lifetime moments with a friend is what I enjoy most in a relationship.

I work so I can come home and play, I never confuse the two. I notice details, and plan ahead.

I welcome intimacy, I don't fear it.

When you talk you will get my undivided attention, that is basic respect. My girls (ages 11 and 8) are very important to me, I do everything I can to make sure they grow up healthy, happy, and wise. Mostly by example, I keep the "do as I say, not as I do" to a minimum:-) . I open doors for people, I am nice to waiters and busboys, I smile at the bank teller and always say "please" and "thank you." I know how to say "I was wrong" and "I'm sorry", and I expect that you do, too.
A fun weekend is a balance between "me" stuff (changing a timing belt in the garage, yard work) and "we" stuff (cooking an excellent meal together, shopping, exploring.) And if I go on a motorcycle ride, you are always invited along.

I've been known to: stop and help strangers along the side of the road. To produce spectacular fireworks displays. To hug someone who is dying. To be known as "tough but fair" to my kid's friends. To help out at parties by washing dishes between courses. To always make the time for parent/teacher conferences and performances. To watch the neighbor's dog.

Word association?
"Coat" Trench
"Bandit" Guilty
"Love" Fun
"Bad" Good
"Sex" Seven. And by seven I mean six.
"Rubber" Babybuggybumpers
"Sky" Blue
"Warm" Hawaii
"Sweet" Sugar

I prefer movies over TV, BSG is a notable exception (bonus points if you understand the term "Browncoats":-) Even more fun is a night at the symphony, or out to a play.

My perfect match? Someone who shares enough of my interests that we have fun together, but also has enough of her own that I can learn from. In a few words: intelligent, compassionate, tender, affectionate, gentle, but nobody's fool. Knows who she is and is able to share how she feels. Most importantly, the ability to love, and be loved, unconditionally. Someone who enjoys running her fingers through my hair when I'm driving (and enjoys it even more when I return the favor.)

A first date is find out if there should be a second date, right? It really doesn't matter all that much what you do together (meet for coffee (yawn), cook a meal together, go on a walk/ride/sail), etc) as long as you are able to get to know the person you're with a little better.
Establishing a connection to see if there is a foundation to build a relationship on sounds easy, but how do you really know a person if you only see them at their best? Untangle Christmas tree lights with someone, then you'll really get to know them:-)