Read the following with an open mind and a sense of humor. If you're Italian, you'll understand. If you're not, here are some things you might want to know before you meet an Italian family...LOL

ITALIAN KIDS vs. American kids:

American kids: Move out when they're 18 with the full support of their parents.
ITALIAN kids: Move out when they're 28, having saved enough money for a house, and are two weeks away from getting married....unless there's room in the basement for the newlyweds.

American kids: When their Mom visits them, she brings a Bundt cake, and you sip coffee and chat.
ITALIAN kids: When their Mom visits them, she brings 3 days worth of food, begins to tidy up, dust, do the laundry, and rearrange the furniture.

American kids: Their dads always call before they come over to visit them, and it's usually only on special occasions.
ITALIAN kids: Are not at all fazed when their dads show up, unannounced, on a Saturday morning at 8:00, and start pruning the fruit trees. If there are no fruit trees, he'll plant some.

American kids: Always pay retail, and look in the Yellow Pages when they need to have something done.
ITALIAN kids: Call their dad or uncle, and ask for another dad's or uncle's phone number to get it done...cash deal. Know what I mean??

American kids: Will come over for cake and coffee, and get cake and coffee. No more.
ITALIAN kids: Will come over for cake and coffee, and get antipasto, wine, a pasta dish, a choice of two meats, salad, bread, a cannoli, fruit, espresso, and a few after dinner drinks.

American kids: Will greet you with "Hello" or "Hi".
ITALIAN kids: Will give you a big hug, a kiss on your cheek, and a pat on your back.

American kids: Call everyone's parents Mr. and Mrs.
ITALIAN kids: Call everyone's parents Mom and Dad.

American kids: Have never seen you cry.
ITALIAN kids: Cry with you.

American kids: Borrow your stuff for a few days and then return it.
ITALIAN kids: Keep your stuff so long, they forget it's yours.

American kids: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.
ITALIAN kids: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing, and just being together.

American kids: Know few things about you.
ITALIAN kids: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

American kids: Eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on soft mushy white bread.
ITALIAN kids: Eat Genoa Salami and Provolone sandwiches on crusty Italian bread.

American kids: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
ITALIAN kids: Will kick the whole crowds' a** who left you behind.

American kids: Are for a while.
ITALIAN kids: Are for life.

American kids: Like Rod Stewart, and Steve Carell (40 year old virgin).
ITALIAN kids: Worship Tony Bennett, and Sinatra.

American kids: Think that being Italian is cool.
ITALIAN kids: Know that being Italian is cool.

American kids: Will ignore this.
ITALIAN kids: Will forward it.

After having read that, if you feel like going to the San Gennaro Feast in downtown Little Italy and grabbing a sausage and pepper sandwich, a few zeppoli, and a cannoli, then you're IN !!!

I'm 48 years old. My profile age allows the POF search engine to match me with other POF members who are in an age range who I prefer to meet. To me, my age is just a number. Hopefully, you'll feel the same way. As my headline suggests, it's all about the attitude!

First dates should be kept simple and relaxed. Coffee or a drink and some great conversation. Know of any fun places?

What you're about to read moved me in such a way that I felt I should share it. Enjoy...

NICE GUYS FINISH LAST

To every guy who regrets hurting or losing her. To every guy who knows which girl he wants. To every guy who's said, "You're beautiful." To every guy who was never too busy TO DRIVE across town (or across the STATE)(or fly across the country) to see HER. To every guy who gives her flowers and a card when she is sick. To every guy who has given her flowers just "because". To every guy who said he would die for her. To every guy who REALLY would. To every guy who did the things she liked to do. To every guy who cried in front of her. To every guy who she cried in front of. To every guy who holds hands with her. To every guy who kisses her with meaning. To every guy who hugs her when she's sad. To every guy who hugs her for no reason at all. To every guy who would give their jacket up for her. To every guy who calls to make sure she got home safe. To every guy WHO WOULD SIT AND WAIT FOR HOURS TO SEE HER, EVEN IF THEY COULD ONLY SPEND A FEW MINUTES TOGETHER. To every guy who would give his seat up. To every guy who just wants to cuddle. To every guy that reassured her that she was beautiful no matter what (and honestly believed what he said). To every guy who shared his secrets with her. To every guy who tried to show how much he cared through every word and every breath. To every guy who thought "maybe she could be the one". To every guy who believed in her dreams. To every guy who would have done anything so she could achieve them. To every guy who never laughed at her when she shared her dreams. To every guy who walked her to her car. To every guy who wasn't just looking for a "one night stand". To every guy who gave his heart and still has a piece missing. To every guy who prays that she is happy, even after they're no longer together. To every guy who DOESN'T CARE HOW FAR AWAY SHE LIVES, AND WILL STILL DATE HER BECAUSE IT'S HER. To every guy who cares the most about how she feels, even when she breaks his heart.

If you're a woman who thinks every guy should try to accomplish even a few of these, then don't stop looking for him. Never ever settle for less. There are no dress rehearsals in life, no do-overs, no make-up tests, it's all "filmed in front of a live studio audience!" (Can anyone tell me which 1970's sitcom that quote came from? One of the actors would say it at the end of the closing credits after each episode.)