Thoughtful, sincere, love to hang out and enjoy each other's company. Serious and silly by turns. I'm looking for a friends. I keep healthy, but I'm not what you'd call your outdoors-type. I do love nature. It just doesn't love me back. My idea of a good time is good conversation and cuddling.

The thing that makes me a geek is that I'm always up for learning new things. Despite that self-appellation, I seem to have a knack for making people feel at ease. The conversations are so much better when everybody's relaxed.

I am independent, honest and up front, and I would like the same from you. As long as everyone stays in the communication loop, it keeps the drama at a minimum. I'm not looking to jump into a relationship, but rather to ease into one. I'm not a private person, though I need my alone time and I'll respect yours. The only secrets I have are ones that others have shared with me and asked me to keep. So the best way to find out about who I am is to ask.

Right now, I do not have a beard. This is subject to change, depending on my whim.

I have been in love, and I've *thought* I was in love, so I know the difference. I'm looking for love, but I know the way to find it is to hang out with people you like, and enjoy doing the things you like to do. Placing expectations, positive or negative, only serves to hide the truth of who you're spending time with. I try to appreciate the moment and be honest to myself and others.

I have a good relationship with my family. I visit my parents every week, and we play bridge and volleyball together. My parents are among the coolest people on the planet. Everyone I know who's met them has told me how great they are. I am incredibly lucky.

Bonus points for geeks and nerds, and intelligence in general. I enjoy the geeky board games and card games. It's been a long time since I've played RPGs, but I have fond memories, and would play again. Another plus if you play bridge, or are interested in learning. The same goes for volleyball. (Or perhaps another sport you can get me interested in? I'd be happy to get out and exercise more.)

Oh, and one more thing: I'm not on a high horse about this. What you choose to do to yourself is your choice. If you choose to smoke, though, I'm not interested. I honestly can't stand the smell. Not to mention that if I see you drop your butt on the ground, right there, I've lost all respect for you. It's an easy thing to find an ash tray.

Online dating is kinda like the bar. Men are on the prowl, women are on the defensive, and people are saying things they wouldn't dream of in ordinary company. Not to mention everybody's pretending that's not what they're here for in the first place. The only difference is there's no loud music and no cloud of smokers outside.

I don't want to get past your skepticism. I'm real. It only makes sense to get our respective online dating fears out of the way, and the best way to do that is put them to the test. So let's go anywhere that's safe, public, and where conversation is easy. Then you can a)check that my pictures are real, b)realize I'm not a psycho/liar/wanted felon, and c)find out if we like each other. It would end with a handshake or a hug. After that, we can decide if we want to go on a "date" date.