I moved here from Seattle about 9 years ago and miss the Northwest but like Austin also. I do a lot of gardening and house projects. Also like fishing and camping but it seems like I never have the time. I love to cook and drink some nice red wine. Also like trying new restaurants, from upscale places to hole-in-the wall taco shacks. Ethnic places are a plus, the more exotic the better.

Day trips are fun. I need to get away more. There's so much to see within a short drive. I like visiting the local wineries and scenic/cultural spots.

I like women with some sense of style. Wearing sweat pants and a sweatshirt every day are definitely a style but not one I can appreciate. Whatever happened to wearing dresses and skirts? I like the feminine look. That doesn't necessarily mean a miniskirt and tons of makeup though.

Figuring out what is non-negotiable and what can be compromised on in a relationship is the hardest part for me. I've tried really hard to narrow my list of deal-breakers in a relationship. I only have a couple and I try to keep an open mind. Instead of considering what musical tastes a woman has I imagine how things will be 30 years from now and what qualities she has that will predict that. Trends and patterns are more important than specific temporal things.

That being said, day-to-day things are important also. I don't think I'd have much in common with a woman who goes to 6th street every Friday and Saturday. There's nothing wrong with that, I'm just at a different point in life. I'm more likely to go to the Alamo Drafthouse, try a new restaurant, or cook a nice dinner at home together.

All I want is a woman who is attractive (to me), appreciates me, respects me, doesn't nag, tells me what she is thinking and what she wants, and who will be my partner during good times and bad. In return I can offer an open mind, faithfulness, appreciation, willingness to compromise, good communication, and commitment.

Happiness is important to me. When I think about past relationships, the most successful have been with happy women. I'm a pretty happy guy and even when I don't feel it I try to act happy.

My one dealbreaker: I'm not interested in meeting women who have young children. If your children are 25 and older that is fine. If your child is 3 then I'm not the guy for you.

First date should be casual. Maybe lunch or coffee or dinner after work. Nothing serious, just seeing if it is worth a second date. No serious discussions but someplace where we can talk (no movies or loud bars). You can tell a lot about a person just by have a casual date with them.