I was married for 19 years, no children, and divorced now for 3 years. It's hard starting over but I feel I am in a good place now. I am comfortable with who I am and know what I want and what I don't want. I am also secure in knowing that I am a good woman with so much to offer to the right man. Although so much of what has gone on in the last few years was neither what I expected nor what I wanted, I feel I have prevailed and done so quite gracefully. As they say, "it only makes you stronger". This seemed like a good way for me to expand my opportunities to meet men in a safe and nonthreatening way. Going to the bars to meet people has never appealed to me, the work place is not the best way and those that I know at my church are married. So here I am! What is most important to me is that my "PARTNER" be open, expressive and communicate his feelings. ALL his feelings! I always want the truth regardless of how he thinks it might make me feel. Without honesty, you have nothing. I can deal with the truth but not the unknown. I want to be with a man that I can admire, feel he is a man of integrity. A sense of humor is a must. I know we all love to laugh but a man that can see humor in the every day things, brings a little added sunshine. It IS true laughter is the best medicine. It is also important that the man I am with be kind, caring, giving, tender, involved with his family, have a desire to expand his mind and learn new things, experience new things, care about his lady's interests, job and family. The older I get the more I have come to realize that intelligence is sexy to me. It is a pleasure to be with someone that is well spoken and articulate. I want to be with a man that is hard working and has some energy. No couch potato for me! He doesn't need to run marathons but spending nice sunny days in front of the TV doesn't appeal to me at all. Especially when there are responsibilities to be dealt with. Get out and live a little, life is short. Being that I am so tired of empty promises, I need to be with a man that says what he means and means what he says. If you say you are going to do it....then DO IT! Because I have always been able to adjust myself to my surroundings, I want to be with someone that can also do that. There are times I want to be in jeans and flannel shirts working outside or going fishing and other times I want to look my best and enjoy a fine dinner out or attend a formal gathering or opening. Being somewhat cultured is important to me. The world does not end at your back yard but it begins. I want a man that has a desire to explore the world even if only through a book, movie, day trip or a visit to a museum. There are some things I will not deal with. I will not enter into a relationship where there exists a drug problem, drinking problem or abuse of any kind. I have no use for jealousy or someone who is controlling. I am not crazy about tattoos, piercings or long hair. Although these things are just outward appearances, I do prefer the clean-cut look. Let's face it, we all have some things in mind when we think about the person we would like to be with and be seen with. A tattoo or two that is covered when going to a nice dinner or church is fine but I have no desire to be with someone that is covered in them. I hope you understand what I am saying and don't see me as shallow. By the same token I totally understand if a man looks at me and does not feel a spark because I am no "Barbie Doll". Best to know right off the bat, as it is not something I can change. At this point you would probably like to know what I can bring to the table. The best way for me to tell you is to say that all I want, I can give. I would never ask for what I can not offer in return. I am attentive, affectionate, loving, kind, understanding, supportive, helpful, respectful, appreciative and care about the wants and needs of my mate. I take pride in and keep a nice home. Love to cook for a healthy appee, help out with home projects, and do my best to make a house a "home". I respect another's opinion even if I don't agree. I deplore tension and confrontation. I will NOT fight and argue. It's just not my way. When I am wrong, I am wrong. When I am right, I love it. lol But compromise is a wonderful way to go. I have always taken responsibility for my actions. To the man I love, I am devoted. That means being there for him through thick and thin. One thing you do have to know about me is I love to laugh and have a great sense of humor. It makes my day if I make someone else laugh or smile. So I do it often. It is not unusual to find me having a conversation with a perfect stranger and both of us laughing our butts off! I like taking advantage of turning something mundane into something FUN! So if I head to the ladies room, or run into the store and it seems I am gone too long....I struck up a conversation and made someone smile! I like people and welcome positive contact. Love...I want to fall in love, have someone fall in love with me. The kind that makes every day brighter because you are not facing it alone. The kind of love that grows with each day. The kind that takes you from now to the end. I saw this on another profile and I love what it means. "If I am not good enough for you to spend time with OUT of bed, then you are not good enough for me to spend time with IN bed". First Date First dates can be awkward so I like to keep it simple and relaxed. What is most important is that both involved are comfortable in the surroundings and at some point it is conducive to quiet conversation that will allow them the opportunity to get to know about each other and get a feeling about whether they want to continue seeing each other. I don't believe in wasting anyone's time and like to be as informative as I can right from the start. I have many interests as you can see so for the most part I am not hard to please about what or where a first date takes place.