I am an educated black woman with plenty of pride, drive, and ambition. I am also a loving, caring, person who enjoys the company of a self-possessed man who can hold his own intellectually and financially. I enjoy running the show, but not as much as I enjoy taking a back seat to a man who can guide me with confidence and security. I'm at a stage in my life where I'm looking forward to building a lasting frienship with someone who can respect me as a woman first, and a romantic partner second. In the same token, I need a man who I can respect as a real MAN, not a grown boy with childish ways. I normally wouldn't have said all of this in a profile, but it's really time-out for silliness.

PS. For reasons of practicality and preference, I will not respond if you are out-of-town or born before 1965. American-born, Black males preferred. Thanks!

On a first date, I would enjoy sitting in a small diner or cafe talking and getting to know the guy. I'm pretty much an open book and I love to joke around and laugh, so if the conversation goes stale, I'll immediately know we're not a good match. I don't like expensive or overly romantic first dates because they tend to mask the real essenence of the match. I prefer romance after we know we're into each other. Until then, I'm not impressed with a big show...