I am an honest, direct, independent, assertive, intelligent, strong willed, affectionate, and caring woman. I full-time faculty at a small college. I am also finishing my Ph.D. in quantitative psychology. In the little bit of spare time that I have, I like to spend as much time as I can hanging out with my close friends, cooking, baking, reading, and cuddling with my dogs. I love food and wine. Ice cream and dark chocolate are my biggest weaknesses. I am not a big drinker, but I enjoy a good dry red wine. I am a morning person. I get up between 5 and 6 on most days. I do this for work, but I also like getting up when the world is still quiet.

I don't believe in playing games, and look for the same in anyone that I date. I am looking for someone who will be honest and direct about what they are thinking or feeling. The things that I look for in a partner are honesty, intelligence, integrity, respect, consideration, and maturity. It is very important that we be able to have good conversations. Chemistry is a must. Life is too short to waste time dating people with whom you don't have physical chemistry. I have no list of qualities that results in chemistry -- it either exists between two people or it doesn't. I also enjoy spending time with people who can be silly and playful at times, and who know how to laugh at the absurdity of life. I am an affectionate person, so I would ideally like to meet someone equally affectionate. If you don't like to touch or be touched, then we won't work.

My biggest pet peeves are lateness and breaking plans at the last minute - both things smack of disrespect - they suggest that another person's time doesn't matter to you and that you don't respect the other person.

I have somewhat non-traditional views of dating in that I don't believe in meeting people with expectations for what the relationship should be. I think that people should meet and see what works for them as a pair. I think that immediately putting expectations on what the relationship "should be" puts unnecessary pressure on both individuals and the situation.

Please do not message me if:
(1) you smoke,
(2) you have children,
(3) you get drunk multiple times every week,
(4) you can't tell the difference between "women" and "woman" and use the words interchangeably when you write,
(5) you can't be bothered to take the time to write full sentences, with proper punctuation and grammar, when you first contact me,
(6) you are a right-wing, fundamentalist Christian,
(7) you would refer to me in your opening line with words like "ho" or "****",
(8) you are looking to get married, settle down and have kids RIGHT AWAY. I am completely open to a long-term relationship with the right person, but I am still getting my career settled and I am not at a point in my life where I want to sacrifice my freedom for children.
(9) you regularly blame others for the state of your life.
(10) you would ever even consider making a comment about my weight and/or diet.

You might consider emailing me if:
(1) you are pretty self-aware and take responsibility for your life,
(2) you are honest, open, and loving,
(3) you think nerdy girls are hot,
(4) you are self-confident without being arrogant or****,
(5) you know how to answer the door in Mr. Robinson's neighborhood,
(6) you are a morning person,
(7) you find assertive, self-confident, and strong women appealing,
(8) you know that Star Trek Voyager was a horrible series.

A first date should be a time when two people get to know each other. Ideal settings are small, relatively quiet, places that are conducive to conversation.