This is long, but if you're sincere you'll read all about me first (there may be a test later!!)

About me: I enjoy the simple life, quiet times at home cuddling together, home cooked meals, classic rock - alternative music, cooking, painting, exercising, spirituality & meditation. I don't watch much TV, however, I do enjoy good movies and really juvenile / offensive cartoons like "The Family Guy".

I like to get outside and just go for a walk or jog too. I'm responsible, I keep my house in order and my side of the street clean. I don't mind splurging when I'm in that mood and I can do it, however I rarely feel that spending money is a requirement for having a good time. I believe in quality over quantity. I don't drink/drug or use mood or mind altering substances and have over 6 years sobriety. I do smoke cigarettes, so if that's an issue then don't bother (since the neauveau chique "trend" lately is that being with a smoker is somehow worse than being with an active alcoholic or worse yet, a heroin junkie - sorry, I don't "get" that one). I'm not quitting for anyone else, while I admit it's not a good habit, it's not making my life un-manageable (yet).

Had I continued to drink, I'd most certainly be dead, or worse yet, living out on the streets (came pretty close to it too!!) I've been given a second chance at this thing called "life". I've spent most of my sobriety learning how to actually love myself - I've got this stuff called "dignity" and these things called "principles" today. Sometimes it's a pain in the ass to actually stand for something and believe in something, but I can't afford to say "FuXk - it" these days (like fuxk my bills, I'm not paying them because I need that money for booze -or- fuxk going to work I'm too drunk / hungover or I don't "feel" like it). I can't do those things today, because they hurt ME!! Today I actually care about me, my life and where I'm going (?) (where, exactly, that is - is all in God's hands - I just do the foot-work). I have plans, I just don't plan the outcome.

Despite what may seem like my "shortcomings" to many (being honest about who I am though, so there's no misinterpretations - what you see, is what you get), I am a very selective person. I've learned that I can't fake settling for second best (not for very long), while I also realize that "perfect" does not exist. I won't settle for a woman that doesn't take care of herself and love herself and can respect me and treat me like an equal and with dignity (not like a doormat, not like a god - the last time I checked, I'm neither). I am what I am and when(ever) I "grow up", I wanna be me.

I've gotten the crazy-ness, partying and drama out of my system and simply want to settle down (not to be confused with settling for less). While I do have goals I'm always striving towards, I'm also very content with where I am in the now. I believe that balance is the essence of happiness. I am also persuing a degree in computer graphic design and work in that field. I'd rather play sports than watch them.

I can fix stuff, but I don't believe that's all I'm good for. I am a highly creative person. I believe that who I am is enough to bring to the table and I expect the same level of confidence in a partner. I feel that if we have everything we need and most of what we want in life only then can the desire to be together be sincere. Just because I'm 100% man (make no mistake) doesn't mean that my sole aim and goal in life is to be "the provider". That doesn't mean I'm a "moocher" either.

I neither need to, nor look to, take anything from the table. I just want your willing participation in seeing where this could go, your affection and the tender loving care I need from a woman both in and out of the bedroom (especially in the bedroom!) I lean towards commitment - not away from it. I don't run out on people because they had a bad day.

I'll confess that I'm not used to taking things slow, but willing to try if you also bear with me. I also can tell if someone is just too immature or afraid to even be out there at all. There's a difference between someone who wants to take it slow (proceeding with caution) and someone who just has too many walls and barriers up to even be dating or trying a relationship at all (which is really just fear). Dating is supposed to lead somewhere, not be an excuse to be indecisive. It's the mentality that there will always be a "better time" with someone else / new that annoys me. Just be real, be sincere. Dating without intent of something more is just letting a guy show you a good time, possibly spend all sorts of money on you - then you're on to the next one. If you're like that, I'll know pretty quick.

I'm a positive and forward thinking person. I do want things to move in some kind of direction with someone. If I'm meeting you and we're hitting it off then I expect things to move forward. That's how relationships are formed. Not by avoiding being close, not by avoiding commitment. That's not being desperate either, that's the way things are supposed to move along. That's why I'm not into "dating" - I'm a relationship person. To me, "dating" is what teenagers do - mature and responsible grown-up adults should know what they want, so "dating" shouldn't be necessary. A few dates are understandable though - if we're on the 2nd, 3rd or (?) and we're still going to be "just dating" though - then it's not going to work - sorry.

FYI; that little "thingie" in your personal profile that asks you what you're "looking for" is there for a reason. I have "Long Term" in mine for a reason. I think many are confused about whether they want long term of just want to date. If you just want to date, then you should say it!! (sorry for ranting about this, but it annoys me because it seems people need to be shown the difference). Please know what you want - that's all I ask. I also won't make you a priority if you don't make me one also. It seems too many women I've met on here want it like that - sorry I'm not anyone's doormat.

FYI PART DEUX - I'd say I'm more of an "outdoorsy" type guy - more into things like camping, hiking, going to state parks, the beach, a lake - than I am into night clubs, casino's, the city, "night life" - etc., etc. If you're into the latter - you may want to move on. If you're into the outdoorsy type "stuff" we may click much better.

DISCLAIMER: I'm no longer in the business of "putting a woman's p**sy up on a pedestal" - so if that's what you need - then you definitely need someone else. Infatuation and love are two very different things. I need to feel as a loved and respected EQUAL PARTNER as-well.

For whatever it's worth, my political views are slightly left of center. I also tend to be more sexually compatible with a more laid back / home body, slim / slender / athletic type woman.

I want to meet that lucky woman who knows what she wants. Let's meet where we could talk and get to know each other. Probably over coffee and we'll see.