Here I am single again and I don't like it! Sure, it's better to be alone than to be in a relationship that isn't working, but it does get lonely doesn't it? I've had a tendency to get into serious relationships very quickly - it just seems to happen that way. I want to take my time now and make sure the next one works out better.

I really don't like dating sites but what other choice do we have? I've been hanging out in the Safeway organics section trying to look sensitive and available but it hasn't been very productive - although my diet has certainly improved!

I love movies, music and getting out to enjoy the wonderful NW. I’m very keen on photography so anywhere that offers opportunities to take some photos is also welcome.

I love to cook and can be quite adventurous in the kitchen especially if I'm cooking for someone special. I do try to eat healthily these days and although I carry a few extra pounds – they are mostly under control. I’m a recent non-smoker (again) and determined never to relapse – sorry, I couldn’t be with anyone who smoked – too much temptation.

I consider myself very easy-going, open-minded, and passionate at times. I value some independence but ultimately I hope for a relationship where we share at many different levels. I’m still a romantic at heart and I still believe in happy ever after.

I do love movies and am happy to sit watch a 'chick-flick' (I'll probably be glad of an excuse as I'm very sentimental really). Some people listen to sad country songs when they're single - I do romantic movies (especially John Cusack ones). I do enjoy dramas too and even some sci-fi but not really into gratuitous violence or gore.

I don't watch a lot of TV - bit of a channel-hopper and the last series I really watched avidly was West Wing, but I do enjoy Monk and House occasionally. I'm more likely watching the Science channel or the Food Network.

I like most music except rap/hip-hop or old-time country. I'm an eternal Beatles fan, love acoustic guitar, smooth jazz, but also enjoy good old classic rock and some slightly more obscure stuff - I guess I'm fairly eclectic really.

I am a very open person - embarrassingly so at time! I just don't know how else to be. I'll never lie to you - but I will be tactful if you ask if your butt looks big in that dress! I believe that good communication is the biggest secret to successful relationships. I want my life partner to be my total confidante - who will be my greatest supporter and most honest critic. That to me is all part of intimacy. The other parts of intimacy - well all in good time - but I will say, I'm a great kisser :-)

For now though, someone to cuddle up with while watching a movie or just talking over a glass of wine, or to go out exploring or to a movie (maybe something less mainstream) – that would be perfect.

Here's a few "No's" just to save time ...

I don't own or ride a motorbike;
I don't Scuba Dive or Water Ski;
I'm not into hiking and camping - a walk on the beach and nice hotel is my style;

Some more intimate things that could normally take sometime to find out ...

I cry at sentimental movies (and I don't care);
I am a sucker for bare shoulders and holding hands;
I am quite shy at first - but underneath there's a tiger lurking;

Good luck to all and let's hope we all land the right fish.

By the way - if I looked at your profile and I didn't make contact - it doesn't mean anything. I really am quite shy and it may take me a while to get the courage to jump into the dating world. If I added you as a favorite, I really am interested - just may need to pluck up the courage to contact you. But hey - nothing to stop you approaching me!

New for 2009: As I have just passed my 50th birthday (sigh) - the most obvious thing to work on is a Bucket List! So here goes with the things I should do before I die ...

* Get a tattoo (this is so unlike me but maybe something discreet?)
* Parachute Jump (with my fear of heights this seems unlikely but ...)
* Visit Tahiti (honeymoon perhaps?)
.. and most importantly ...
* Fall in love with someone who will love me completely in return and live happily ever after.
(Maybe the parachute jump is more likely?)

--x-- Ian --x--

I'm normally happy for the first meeting to be something very simple - maybe a coffee at Starbucks or something like that. But I'm quite happy to extend that to dinner. Let's face it if we've already chatted on the phone, read profiles, exchanged emails, and checked out photos - well surely we can risk an hour or so for dinner and conversation? And, if there's no physical chemistry - well no harm done - we had a nice dinner and shared some conversation with someone new - not a totally wasted evening! :-) But if it works out - well let's keep our options open.