I am almost 26 years old, and I've been in Dallas for nearly 4 years now. I moved up here right after college without knowing anybody, so most of my friends have been made through random encounters and work-related events. I'm pretty laid back and flexible; the thing I'm most particular about is maintaining an open mind to everything. :) People have historically called me an "old soul;" I spent most of my non-class/non-studying college time hanging out at a local diner with a few close friends, rather than living the typical drink-til-you-drop college lifestyle. I get enjoyment out of long deep conversations (drunken philosophical/religious discussions are the best), chilling out and watching tv shows and movies, playing frisbee during a cool evening, taking walks right before a thunderstorm, people-watching, and staying physically fit by running, playing tennis, working out, whatever (I've got a tennis player's build). I'm a pretty independent soul, and I'm looking to find that one special person to connect with. Chemistry is a big deal for me... trust, honesty, laughter, physical attraction, loyalty, etc. are all very important aspects to a solid relationship, but I'm a hopeless romantic, and I need that chemistry above all else.
I think people should keep an open mind about things like relationships, so I don't have very many specifics about my ideal match. I suppose you probably shouldn't be deathly allergic to cats, since I have one and love her dearly. Besides that, I'm just looking for what everybody looks for I suppose: honesty, integrity, self-respect, no games, lots of laughter, etc., and of course, chemistry. I look forward to hearing from you. :)

Recently I was talking to my mother about being in the "dating" scene (her and my dad just separated). I asked her, "What would a typical day be like with regard to being in a successful relationship?" We all have things we're looking for: sense of humor, travel, etc., but it's the day-to-day stuff that's really important.

My answer? "On a typical Wednesday, we'd both go to work with a kiss goodbye in the morning. We're not really morning people, so that's enough. When we get home from work, we greet each other with a smile, a hug, and a kiss. We're happy to see each other. We change out of our work clothes and into exercise outfits. I tell her how beautiful she is. We go out for a walk, or a run, or to the gym; before we get there, we say something sweet like, "for the next hour, remember that I love you." After we get home, maybe we shower together, maybe separate (depends on the mood of the day). I'm not very adept in the kitchen, so hopefully she enjoys cooking and I'll hug her from behind, nuzzle her neck, and do whatever I can to help. We sit down to watch a show while we eat (Wednesday's Lost?), and enjoy the good food and conversation about the show. Afterwards, I do the dishes (balance is key, so if she cooks, I'll clean), and then we sit down to watch a movie we've rented, or trade shoulder rubs, or play a board game. At some point, each of us shares details about our work day, and we're both knowledgable enough about the other's job that we are genuinely interested in updates, know about ongoing projects, whatever. We climb into bed, nuzzles and kisses and cuddles and whatever.... and that's it. A good day.

Simple. Pleasant. Life is better because we're together, and that's all we need. No games, no mixed messages, just... pleasant. :) What about you? What's your ideal Wednesday?

I like the simple first date; maybe we'll meet somewhere in a public, casual setting for dinner and drinks, get to know each other, see if there's chemistry there. If things go well there, maybe a trip to the theater where we can sit next to each other in silence as the chemistry grows, partially paying attention to the movie and partially keeping the peripherals set on each other... something like that.