I think it is probably apropos to at least mention what many years of internet dating has taught me. I've noticed that many of you have been on this and other sites literally for years now. Clearly, most older women are comfortable in their current situation, and have been taking care of themselves for a while. They no longer "need" a man. But I believe a winning strategy today has to include a genuine desire to emotionally invest in any new relationship. The truth is that the only way to insure you will never have your feelings hurt is to never play the game! My father taught me to never take rejection personally and that has served me well for many decades of social adventures. I look younger than my chronological age and am fit at 5'10" and 195 lbs. I am willing to take responsibility for my own actions, but not those of other men, especially ex-husbands or boyfriends. I have also learned that the women who contend that "looks are not that important to me," are the women to whom looks are most important! In summary then: I am an extremely bright, accomplished, interesting, broad shouldered, nice-looking man with an outstanding sense of humor. I understand the "gentle" in gentleman. I do not drink (and never have), smoke, gamble or abuse women in any way. I believe that fidelity, trust, integrity, honor and commitment are not just words, but important and real qualities to live by. I am drawn to women who love to laugh and are as comfortable in jeans, a sweatshirt, and baseball cap as they are in an evening gown. Assets are not important (as long as you tend to live within your means). I love animals. If you are severely allergic to cats, we would not be a match. My orange tabby Booboos is my best buddy, and allows me to live with him in his house. I especially enjoy theatre [musical comedy], and I am not into sports in a fanatical manner. I'm a trained gourmet chef, a champion bridge player, and can fix anything. In a recent Cosmo poll, women voted "intelligence," "sense of humor," and "handy around the house" their top 3 qualities in a man. If you feel it is avant-garde to denigrate television, you would be better off with another guy. Television, especially well-written programs such Saving Grace, Raising the Bar, Damages, and Rescue Me are convenient forms of leisure entertainment. I find comments such as "I don't have cable or even own a television" somewhat immature and childish. Education is power and it comes in many forms. I live in a golf community on the 13th fairway and a lake, but no longer play. But, if cruising is your form of travel entertainment and the setting sun from a balcony moves you, we are on the same page. I believe life is merely a conglomeration of problems and opportunities. The quality of our lives is a function of how we deal with the problems and avail ourselves of the opportunities. NO PHOTO NO REPLY. Profile without photos waste everybody's time, because this and similar web sites are primarily about chemistry. I'm only interested in local [within 50 miles] women. In addition, I seek a serious one to one relationship. I am not interested in pen pals all over the country. I appreciate the hundreds of replys indicating that you admire both my honesty and direct approach to this form of social contact, but I am really serious about finding that special woman with whom to share my life. AND FINALLY: I'm only looking for one woman. Once I find her I will retire this profile - because Elvis will have left the building.

Coffee, lunch, dinner, whatever. I consider first dates as "interviews with food," so almost any setting is acceptable.