Request: If I send you an e-mail intro., please take a moment to respond. I'll show you the same courtesy. Thanks ***

Who I am is fairly complex these days but probably boils down to someone who's striving to be the best lady, mom, supervisor, colleague, employee, and generally human I can. I'm creative, possess a nice sense of humor, enjoy gardening and walks in the summer and cooking and hosting small and larger gatherings year round. Sci-Fi and Fantasy are my favorite genres to read, watch, and write.

I'm a Christian who doesn't attend church as regularly as I should but who prays daily and tries to live a Christian life. I keep a clean and neat home even in consideration of the cats and toddler. I'm close with my family--emotionally and physically, but I live my own life. I know who and what I am and am comfortable with both. I don't settle for less than what I deserve, won't be with someone who manipulates or exploits me, and speak my mind freely. I'm romantic, a good listener, kind-hearted, and a good friend.

I'd love to be in a relationship with a gentleman who can accept me for who and what I am and who fully respects me. Like me, he should be a bit old-fashioned but open to some new ideas. He should believe in treating a lady with respect, raising children with good values, and giving back to the world in a positive way. His friends/associates are likely diverse in age, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, faiths, and professions but are ultimately "good people."

I prefer a man who's in the age range I specified, clean shaven, graduate-level educated, and with dark hair/eyes. I'm receptive to men of other races.

If you prefer a good book over a violent sport, enjoy an engaging conversation more than being in a crowded club/bar, and think that picnics, dinner with friends and family, and dancing to a cool song sound appealing, then let's chat.

I'm a university director. I run a dept. of tutors and support personnel. I'm a former English professor, software trainer, medical and engineering editor/proofreader, admin. assistant, substitute teacher, and professional tutor. My career aspiration is to become a univ. VP, but it's not a hard goal. My #1 aspiration is to be the best possible mother to my son, whom I am raising with good values, respect, creativity, and lots of love.

planning and hosting social gatherings (large and small), cooking, caring for pets (cats and dogs--former animal rescue person), gardening/landscaping (I'm not bad at it.), reading (love it but rarely find the time these days except for children's books), hanging out with loved ones/friends, teaching, and tutoring.

I'm thoughtful and friendly. I take my time coming to a decision about something but am fairly hard to dissuade to adopt another position once I reach a decision. PS I'm an intellectual. Chances are high that you'll need to be one too for us to work well. Then again, "never say never."

I love to read and watch "GOOD" Science Fiction and Fantasy, per genre standards, not pop culture. I enjoy cooking family recipes and some new ones. I'm trying out some Japanese dishes these days with a reasonable amount of success. (I keep overstuffing the California rolls, though. My miso soup isn't bad. The teriyaki grilled salmon was fantastic, per my guests/victims.) I enjoy soft rock and dance music that isn't crude. Specific favorites: Orson Scott Card, Anne McCaffrey, and Raymond E. Feist for authors; "E.T." and "The Lake House" for films; turkey soup with matzo balls and an English trifle from a 5-star chef for favorite items to cook; and Amy Grant, Phil Collins, Vienna Teng for singers

1. God
2. My son
3. My family, including my cats
4. Reading
5. Living somewhere with a good amount of nature
6. Being around educated/intellectual people

the future--personally (raising my son so that he becomes a good boy, young man, and a gentleman) and professionally (how I'm going to balance family life and accomplish my goals). It would be wonderful for there to be a special man in the mix for us.

eating dinner with my family and relaxing.

Worth noting: The question asks for what you're "willing to admit," not for you to share the most private things in your life.

I'm actually pretty open about it, but some people would put it in a more private category. I used a semi-anonymous sperm donor to become pregnant. Therefore, there's no ex to contend with if we become involved. I won't bring another child into the world without being married first, but my son unreservedly is the result of the best decision I ever made. If how he came into this world is a problem for you, it's fine. It just means that we're not a good match for each other. I'll wish you the best in finding a better one for you.

You are legally and ethically single and seeking a serious, long-term relationship with the right woman. You believe that being sexually intimate is something that does not happen in "3-5 dates" or less. You are not interested in S & M, including rape fantasies. You do not use drugs recreationally, smoke, and/or drink to the point of intoxication. You have completed at least a bachelor's degree. You are anti-abortion except for extreme circumstances. You understand the difference between wanting to be with someone and needing to be with someone (as in being dependent upon that person to make it through life). You are in the former category. You are a Christian who tries to truly live by his faith.

If what you just read describes you, then I look forward to hearing from you.

If you think that I'm being too particular I'll only say that I'm offering the same in return.

What you don't need to be: model handsome, wealthy, the life of the party, and/or the next Nobel prize winner. What I'm really seeking is someone who is a good fit for me and who lives by his values.

Best wishes to everyone here in regards to what they're seeking.