I've always found striking-up conversations with strangers easy. Of course Internet dating being contrived is less so.

I believe it's best to avoid too much in the way of messaging or talking on the phone prior to meeting since face-to-face conversation reveals far more authenticity.

People who know me say I'm funny - a character. I try to be humorous by saying the unexpected. Of course on here people want to see certain things in terms of personality traits... I'm tolerant, considerate, affectionate if and when that point is reached, generous, outgoing yet situationally reserved. Friends say I'm kind, intelligent, loyal and caring. Someone they feel very comfortable talking to as I'm sincere, empathetic, and down-to-earth. We're all a work-in-progress and talk (or type) is cheap therefore I'm not so concerned about what profiles say.

Some of you have great photos while many others have pics that are too distant, under exposed or both. May I suggest that you have a close-up AND a full body shot (that way the 'blind date' issues are irradicated). I used to be an avid amateur photographer. So many great sights. I cannot see the point of not living near the water being we're a coastal city.

I've worked in the high tech industry for nearly three decades. On my own time I've always been a do-it-yourselfer. I learn by doing and have become a self-taught student of most things mechanical or electric/electronic. My innate curiosity about how things work means I always try and repair stuff myself, usually by performing an exploratory. It gives me a great feeling of accomplishment to be able to do ones' own troubleshooting and repairs (and in the process often saving vast sums of money).

I don't watch sports much unless hanging-out with friends that do. I prefer engaging in sports (being naturally athletic; extremely well coordinated). I never pursued anything seriously though. I really enjoy horseback riding (it has been a long time) and have a great affinity for animals. My dog was incredible: 100 lb Golden Retriever Newfoundland cross which turned-out to be a perfect combination. Beautifully laid back, cost next to nothing in vet bills; didn't have any of the 'big dog' issues of slobbery jowls, eye or ear problems. Eventually his spine became arthritic and couldn't find any medication to improve the condition so decided to put him down as the fun seemed to have disappeared from his existence.

I enjoy a diverse variety of music but my main-stays are classic rock, blues, progressive jazz, and occasionally new age and world music.

I'm perceived to be in my early 40's by most people (due to my attitude, agility, slim physique). I'm attracted to slender women who look young for their age (if numerically close to me in age) or are just younger. I emphasize this point so we don't waste each others' time. [me = 5'5 @ 140 lbs, you = less than.]

Last but not least I should mention computers. I'm a PC technician and have been in the computer-electronics industry since '81... [just started a 12 month contract late Nov so busier than I've been in years. The new position gets me out to PoCo at all times of day and night. If my profile doesn't incite you to message me for a potential date I'll offer that I have my own computer business and would not be offended if you'd like something fixed or improved; advice or some tutoring. It takes mere seconds to make changes that can have your computer running substantially faster. Add more memory and it becomes faster still. http://xpedientpc.shawwebspace.ca/profile/]

A first date would be AFTER a more brief, casual meeting for coffee or a drink and perhaps a walk-about. It is a far better thing to be doing something rather than the 'job interview' tension of sitting statically at a table upon first meeting. (stole the concept from another Plenty-of-Fisher :)

For an actual first date I'd suggest going out to dinner somewhere casual. (afterall it IS only a first date.)