Chemistry is very important to me and I can tell a lot from that first meeting. I'd like to meet a kind guy who isn't looking to get too serious too quickly (those thing take time and trust), who can make me laugh because he laughs with me and makes me want to be funny, and who knows how to be a gentleman, but also has that devilish twinkle in his eye. He should be creative in his own right, curious about the world, and able to make conversation about anything. He needs to know that life is made of the little moments, takes time to appreciate things, and be courteous to strangers and loved ones. I'm looking for a relationship that's fun, easy, and relaxed; I'm not high maintenance and don't expect that from my relationships either. I'd like to have someone who'd share with me, walk all over the world on our travels, and be happy to show me that I'm valued in his life (it's surprising how little this one takes). I would like someone to do things with - art galleries or museum wandering, coffee shops downtown, chilling with music, a drive to nowhere, movies on the couch or in the theatre, dance classes where we both feel like fools but secretly love it, team sports (curling anyone?), or whatever seems right at the time. I'm not looking for perfect, just someone perfect for me.

I'm a pretty thoughtful person. What others are thinking is always important to me - not because I'm insecure (quite opposite actually), but because it's good to connect on all levels. The ability to communicate is very important to me as well and I like to solve small problems (before they become something major) through an honest chat. I don't get upset with myself/others for long amounts of time because it wastes energy. I'm curious about everything and take sincere interest (especially if someone is willing to teach me). I love to laugh and notice the little things - witty commentary is always at hand, but even better when it makes others laugh out loud. I have a good heart. I know I've been very lucky in life and am appreciative of small and thoughtful gestures. I'm positive and know that everything happens for a reason and works out in the end - I've seen that pattern. I camp in tents, play volleyball, and coach kids. I've lived in 3 countries, have run a dog-sled team, have had poetry published about me, and have lived in a refugee camp. I learned to listen from my grandfather, who had no vocal chords. I travel as much as time and money allow and have traveled to 19 countries (some on my own) and have the rest of the world to catch up on.

If you're into the whole Myers-Briggs test, I'm ENFP - You are warmly enthusiastic and imaginative. You see life as full of possibilities. You make connections ...between events and information very quickly, and confidently proceed based on the patterns you see. You want a lot of affirmation from others, and readily give appreciation and support. You are spontaneous and flexible, and often rely on your ability to improvise and verbal fluency.

Staring contest. If I win, we plan a trip to Europe.

or ...

We have tea and watch people walk by and create their life stories while discussing our own.

Your choice. Or, you can come up with something even more fab. I'm just not the type who needs to be wined and dined and shown how much money there is to spend. Low key, casual, and filled with good conversation is good enough for me.