Appearance-wise, I'm 5'11", 200lbs and physically fit. I have all of my teeth (I've been told I have a great smile!) and almost all of my hair. I've also been told that I'm cute, but would much prefer if I was described as roguishly handsome. That's about it - oh yeah, blue eyes, brown hair. and several tattoos, although they are usually well hidden.

I am an ex-professional, recently returned to school to pursue a doctorate and eventually a new career. What does this mean? A more flexible schedule than most, but also all the normal restrictions that come with being an academic.

What am I looking for? In one word - fun. What that means depends on who I'm with, where we are, and what we are doing, but I seem to be able to see the humour in and make the most out of any situation. At the same time, I am open to dating becoming something more serious.

Postscript (July 31/08): Here is what one author has to say about monogamy:

"We grow and change and find meaning, not in a world of infinite possibility-and this relates to the whole matter of monogamy-we find meaning because there are limitations. If we actually have unlimited possibility and control, nothing would ever mean anything. Some of us, as we go through life and endure hardships, close off; we have short-term ways of managing that are designed to make us feel better but not to grow. Other people are willing to feel some of the discomfort from their mistakes, and that's the bedrock of what it takes to grow. If we are open and honest with ourselves, and are willing to take risks and think a little more about who we are than who they should be, sustained intimacy can be an incredible crucible for growth. Ultimately, serious relationships can be a forum for learning through a kind of creative constraint, an exploration of your own self in no small part because of the kinds of choices you have to make to stay together."

I have not yet formed an opinion on the above (and wonder how it meshs recent research on monogamy and evolutionary theory), but given that plenty of fish is a realm of near infinite possibility it is worth thinking about.

First date plans should be kept simple - a coffee, a drink, a walk. No pressure, no expectations, and sometimes pleasant surprises.