From an unsuccessful ad I placed a couple of years ago on a well-known dating site...  

Dr. Dale seeks Dr. Girlfriend

No, I’m not a real doctor.  I don’t even play one on TV

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I’m a man with a split soul.  On one side, I work in computers. Most importantly, I like to fix things; all things.  If you have a broken thingy – fixing it makes all the positive gears in me go ‘round. However, I have discovered that try as I might, I cannot fix people.  Therefore, if you are broken I cannot fix you. We shall move on.

The other side is creative.  I am a performer, play guitar, a little piano and sing.  I’ve been in music since I was a little kid. I like to write.  I write songs.  I’ve written a complete novel (memoir), which I’m actively trying to get published. I love photography, art, and travel. 

If I haven’t lost you yet: “So, what kind of things do you want in a relationship?” she said, and did not stay for an answer. 

What I ultimately desire is… well, everything:  Angel’s singing, mountains moving, making out in on a rainy street in Paris in the springtime.  I deserve that.  Don’t you?

In the meantime – what I’d like is to find someone to get to know.  Someone to hang with, go to movies, and share experiences.  Perhaps someone to travel with to destinations both inane and far-flung.  Someone to play “tourist” with and spend the day doing the Wisconsin Dells.  Someone to hike on the trails.  Someone to play board games and cheat at cards. 

Someone to stay in and watch a movie with buttery-soaked popcorn. 

What I am not looking for:

A friend.  It is an oft-used phrase here: “Friend’s first.” I am not on a dating site to find a friend.  I think that mostly means, “I’m not here for sex.”  I get that.  But to be brutally honest, my bar for friendships is considerably higher than finding a first date. I value my friendships much.  And principles such as trust and courage are earned over long periods of time, not on the internet.

A Sex toy. Yeah, I’ve already been to the circus, thanks. Though I am hoping at some point, if we become acquainted, and we really like each other, we could get to that. I seem to recall it was rather enjoyable, and I think I was fairly good at it.  Though that last part is purely conjecture.

Motorcycle Rider.  Sure, I love motorcycles. No, I don’t own one.  Maybe someday, I will.  Until then, please move on.

Drama.  I’ve managed to construct a fairly quiet life, with as little drama as possible.  I realize this is life, and all of us come with baggage, issues and problems.  Yet, I would appreciate that most of the dramatics are found in the books I am writing and not in my relationships. 

I know it is a lot to take in and take on.  But we are not kids anymore. Life is complicated, and so is love (or at least the pursuit of love).  But the risks could be so much worth the rewards.  I’ve made a pretty big step by putting this out there.  

If you are at all interested, why not take a step too?  It might be nothing, or it might be everything.  Or it might be something in between.  I hope to hear from you.