Hello, I'm looking for a great woman to spend time with. I love the ocean, all types of music, leaning towards folkier stuff, and love everything up to opera. I love to cook and am pretty good at it,or so I've been told. I love to talk for hours, read books, ride bikes, lay on the beach and go out for music, dinner or just to see the world. Travel is one of my favorite things. I've been all over the world and would like to see more with someone special. Being home is great too. Making a special dinner for two or for us and our friends, is something I love to do. Reading a book to you or giving you a foot massage when you've had a bad day or a great day. I'm kind of an old-fashioned romantic guy with modern sensibilities. I think I should hold the door for you, help you with your chair or coat. It's not because you can't do these things yourself, of course you can, it's because I value you as a woman and my friend and it's one of many ways to show I care and respect you. Of course, I will make you laugh too. Could be a phrase, a new joke or just being silly, but a smile is one of the prettiest sights I know...

Let me write some more....

I believe in love.
I will tell you what's on my mind, nicely. Will you tell me?
I'll be there when you need me, even when you say you don't.
I'll listen to you and not try to fix everything.
I'll put the seat down.

I believe that there is a great woman out there for me.

I recently wrote this to someone here to give my perspective on what a relationship is. I thought it may give a bit more insight into who I am....

I don't understand the idea of a convenient woman, but I know that you are correct; many men are looking for that. That is what dating is for, in my mind. I cannot commit to someone until I know them enough to know that there is substance to try to make a go of it. There are, after all, no guarantees on anything anymore, it seems. I think that once you decide that the elements exist for a relationship, you proceed in that direction. That being said, I'll tell you what a relationship means to me....

You are my best friend. I want to spend as much time with you as possible, but understand that there are times when it is not possible nor is it practical. I also recognize that as adults there are times when either of us needs some space. No rhyme or reason, it just is. That cannot be scheduled, just understood. As a man, I want to take care of you and be taken care of, too. This is a very complicated statement, that sounds so simple. I don't expect someone to cook or clean or do my laundry for me, if it happens that's what I call Bonus Points. I want someone to listen to me and talk to me as well. To share life's burdens and joys. Sometimes burdens come more than joy and I expect that you'll support me when I can't carry my load, as I would cheerfully help carry yours. It means going to that party with that friend of yours that I don't like, because you want me to be with you and we'll have fun anyway. Maybe I'll even see why you like her, if I can open my eyes and ears enough. You see, I want someone to walk beside me in life, not occasionally, but always. Not because of any one reason but for tons of reasons, but mostly because of the love for each other. I hope this gives you an idea of what i think. I could probably write a book on it, but not sure who would read it.

Now, regarding fun. An essay. Fun consists of many elements far too numerous to mention here, but I shall attempt to give you a glimpse(love that word) of my idea of fun. Fun is a long conversation about a song we just heard and how it made us feel. It's making an amzing dinner together and spending 3 hours eating it, savoring every bite. It's leaving the dishes til tomorrow. Reading poetry to each other that means something special. Staring at the stars at night and wondering what's out there is fun. Tackling a project and finishing it is fun. Seeing who can skip rocks better. Going to the opera or symphony. Vegging out in front of the TV on a rainy day. Laying in bed, making love all day with naps and snacks in between. Arguing a political idea, but not getting spiteful or name calling. Sitting in a cafe people watching. Traveling around the corner or around the world, but not being a tourist. These are some of the many ways that I like to play and have fun.

Hmmm, first date, could be lots of things. Going to a museum, hitting some junk stores, I love to picnic and watch nature and talk.