I'm not looking for total acceptance but just to be defined as an acceptable risk. Normal is a failure of potential Here's the basics.. - I'm clean, social, fun, friendly, honest (to a fault sometimes), intelligent, have a good job, loving and caring.. - I will never lie or cheat, I've had too much experience with those that do, and I will never inflict that type of pain. - I am looking for one and only one person to spend the rest of my life with.. and it may or may not happen as a result of online dating, but I feel like I need to leave that possibility open. I'm not interested in being on here one minute longer than I need to for that to happen. - I have two wonderful kids, and they are with me every other weekend and one night a week. They are an important part of who I am. - I'm active and athletic, so I expect my partner to be reasonably active too. - I don't smoke, and don't do drugs.. While I have dated smokers in the past, it's my preference to avoid it. - Ask me anything, I'm open and I communicate well to those that take the time and have the interest. - I have a good job, I'm smart, fun, and overall, I consider myself a pretty good catch. - I was the high school nerd. While I know that sounds super cool, it really wasn't.. - I'm socially outgoing (been in sales for years), but first dates feel crazy awkward to me.. if you are looking for the instant chemistry, sparklers, lightning, fireworks or whatever from the moment we both walk into a room.. I have to be honest.. you probably won't find it here.. I am great as a friend, and amazing in a relationship, but getting from A to Z for me takes time.. I think sometimes more than women would like. but I can promise, I get better as we go. - The sooner I can have my last first kiss, the better, but I won't settle for less than I deserve.. and either should you. - oh, and one last point to add.. if I send you a short message, it doesn't mean I don't care enough to spend 40 minutes typing you a fun, thoughtful, intelligent message. it usually means I'm on my cell phone, and I've already taken the time to read your profile and liked what I read. But now I want to see if the interest is mutual. It's about the online equivalent of buying you a drink at the bar because I think you are pretty or I have seen qualities I like. Either you smile and ask my name. or don't.. -And very few people ever read all the way to this point.. Truth is, I'd rather get a very short message, or short reply than none at all.. so.. now that you've read this far... You can disregard it all.. short messages, and short replies are highly encouraged. and it doesn't need to be cute, funny, thoughtful, insightful, show any ounce of having read any of this.. If you're not quality enough, I'll figure that out pretty quickly.. and so will you. - One other final point (yeah, there are a lot of them) - If we talk on the phone or meet in person, I don't in any way shape or form expect anyone to remember what I wrote here, or what we exchange in messages from now until then.. I probably will because I have a crazy good memory, but between all the profiles people read, and all the messages exchanged, trying to keep track of it all would be insanely difficult. I'd much rather discuss who I am and who you are in person, and get to know you that way. I don't want anyone to think they know me at all by what I've written here. it's only a very small view of a very large picture.