I find that being real is the only way to be in life, everything is much more enriched by that. If I have taken a moment to contact you, I am interested in opening a line of communication with you to explore the possibilities. To be in a successful long term relationship ultimately is the goal. (Internet) dating is a constant learning / growth experience so here I am because that which is important to you, you should take the time to learn everything you can about. I think this online dating also posts more challenges than meeting people through more conventional means so I don’t expect things to start in any particular manner nor am I quick to judge, label or dismiss people.

Getting fulfillment by being surrounded with great friends & family can easily get you to set aside your ultimate pursuit of happiness and put off finding that special someone It’s easy for us to work too long and hard, or remove ourselves from the dating scene all too easily/ often during various durations of our lives… and blink … you realize half your life has gone by in an instant. I’m not willing to let the other half go by as unfulfilled. Life is too short…

I appreciate polite honest candor, even if it’s not the best of news. I’m a realist and life isn’t always about good news, but talk with me long enough, and usually I can find the positive spin for it. Some things just don’t have a positive spin sometimes and that’s ok too, you just handle it as best as you can, maybe offset it with doing something you enjoy and have some good to go along with it. Positive, nurturing, encouraging and supportive is the way I prefer to be. Sometimes I am an ass, but rarely. When I am wrong, I am never afraid to say I am or that I’m sorry. Lucky for me I am never wrong… ;)

Some of my favorite words to live by:
Hope for the best but have a plan for the worst.
Out of something bad comes something good.
When life throws you lemons, you make lemonade.
Live every moment like it’s your last and have no regrets.
Never go to bed angry, a hug and a kiss can go a long way.
You can’t appreciate the good if you haven’t experienced the bad.
Do unto others as you would have do unto you.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again… Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

I can communicate my way through anything, hopefully you can too. Sometimes I may need to pull away for a bit to finish processing it before trying to address it, but everything gets addressed. It’s best to never leave anything unaddressed so it can fester.

I am looking for a well adjusted, confident, conscious & realistic woman who has (kept) the capacity to love
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Update/ clarifications:
It's too bad they don't allow us to select all that apply on some items that can help with searches as well. As I may be toggling around on some things, here is where I stand on them:
1. Interested in - Activity Partner, Friends, Dating or Long Term - It can start out under any premise, but preferably have the option for long term possibility.
2. Children - I am open to the possibility of having or not having children. Life is good and it's not necessary for me to have children to feel complete. The most important thing to me is my relationship with you first and foremost. After that, everything else works itself out. If you have children, preferably they are older as I am not looking to be an "instafather". If you contact me and you have children, please give me further details for consideration.
3. Religion - I am more spiritual than religious. I don't mind someone religious, just understand and respect as I would that we may be different in that regard and please don't try to convert me. :)
4. Politics - Liberal, middle of the road, it's all about the issues. I am a very open minded person. I respect the differences here as well.
5. Smoker - I quit smoking cold turkey on New Years '06/'07. I will never smoke again.... period. I can be around smokers, no problem. If you are a smoker, for us to work, you need to not be a full time smoker and desire giving it up eventually. I can help you with that when you are ready to, but I understand it's a very personal decision and shouldn't have any outside expectations/ influences. My environment is smoke-free.
6. Ethnicity - Mainly I guess I look like white bread but I have a Spanish mix (Spain). I see women are beautiful in lots of cultures. :)
7. Body type - I bounce anywhere from thin, athletic & average. I tend to be more on the thin/athletic side when in a relationship ;) Although I understand that looks are fleeing, it is important to have an initial attraction, chemistry, etc. I am sure over time both of us will create a strong bonding relationship that allows us to overlook our imperfections as we age... that's life... it's what happens folks.

Ideally, a first date will happen after a couple/ few rapport building email exchanges and phone conversation(s). After that, We can do just about anything from a cup of coffee/ drink to a dinner, movie, comedy show, golf, tennis, etc. I enjoy meeting new people and enjoy conversing with just about anyone. Even if we don't hit it off/ click for couples consideration, we can always have fun and just make the best of the situation. At the very least it will be a fun time out. At least we tried, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? :)