I'm Dave, a professional, part-time goofball, and a work in progress.

As a reformed pessimist I prefer to spend time with like-minded friends with positive outlooks on life. A little cynicism can make for friendly debate, but I can't stand people dead-set behind gloom-and-doom notions of democracy, life and the human race going down the tubes forever.

I have plenty of faults, but my best quality is that I am willing to work on them and become a better person. Last Fall, I decided I wasn't happy with my physical condition. In the year since, I've lost over 50 lbs through diet and exercise and made (reasonably)healthy eating and exercise a part of my routine to ensure I don't get out of shape again.

I'm confident that the lackluster parts of my life will improve as long as I try to do right for myself and others. I know the meaning of friendship and love today.

Autumn is my favorite season. I love being outdoors so bonus points go to the non-couch potatoes who can handle a few hours' walk. A trail hike would make a nice second date with the right person.

I share new experiences with friends, travel to places I've never been, and meet friends I've never met. I like to enable positive change in the lives of those around me when the opportunity arises. Why? Because others have done that for me. I've largely grown out of my youthful shyness but good luck trying to get me to sing karaoke. I've learned a lot from past relationships, mostly summed up in the phrase, "Don't take yourself too seriously."

My hair constantly misbehaves.

Favorite Books:
Shogun, The Great Gatsby, Ender's Game, Snow Crash, Quicksilver, The Diamond Age, The Art of War, The Game, Odd Thomas, Clear And Present Danger, Fight Club, Invisible Monsters, Survivor, Watchmen

Favorite Movies:
The Notebook, Fight Club, The Matrix, The Princess Bride, Harry Potter(all), Serenity, The Chronicles Of Riddick, The Shawshank Redemption, Risky Business, Back To The Future, The Hustler, Citizen Kane, Easy Rider, Nightmare Before Christmas, American Beauty, American History X, Superbad, The Breakfast Club, Se7en, 12 Monkeys, Stargate, Star Wars, Return Of The Jedi, The Empire Strikes Back, The Lion King, Lord Of The Rings(all), The Bank Job

Favorite Music:
Anberlin, Say Anything, Massive Attack, Nine Inch Nails, Rolling Stones, Hendrix, Guns n' Roses, Uma Floresta, Paramore, Plecebo, Radiohead, Hollywood Undead... and more.

Favorite TV Shows:
Magnum Pi, Macgyver, Mythbusters, My Name Is Earl, Stargate Atlantis, Stargate Sg-1, True Blood, X Files, Seinfeld

Please note the following lest things not work between us...
1.) I hold the door open for others when entering or exiting a building.
2.) I love my cat.
3.) I eat meat.
4.) I have feelings
5.) I have friends with different ethnic backgrounds, political and religious views, and I won't join others in hating any of them.
6.) I don't drink alcohol at all. I am allergic. I also don't use drugs or any plants that come in ziplock baggies. I don't mind dating someone that drinks or smokes up... as long as they don't need me to play babysitter or bail-bondsman for them.

I can't define my "perfect match" too specifically. I do know that I'm not average, so average won't match me. I need someone exceptional.

I'd like that someone to be able to get silly like a kid at times! I've learned never to get embarrassed about having a good time, but occasionally need to be reminded of that. I'd also like to meet someone that knows how to alternate talking and listening. That would be the icing on the cake!

I hope to settle down one day, but I'm in no rush. I've found that relationships have a mind of their own. In other words if it's going to work out, then it will but sometimes it doesn't no matter how hard one or both partners try. If it is meant to be, it will if they both just don't fight it.

If you are up for the challenge then we may just be a match!

PS - I love OKCupid but the IM on here sucks so I may not respond if you IM me. If you want to chat with me just email and ask for my AIM. I'll be glad to chat when there's time!

P.P.S. If you email me and if I don't respond right away please don't get upset. I have a very busy schedule including work, classes and other activities. I'll answer when I'm able to.

Editors

• CourtneyLu