Date single man from Estes Park, United States. I didn't know I was going to have to write a personal epithet to meet people thru this site, so I am almost at a loss for words!
I'm a pretty easy-going guy. I wish I could say "I'm an optimist". I try to never be a pessimist - nobody likes a grump! I'm pretty down-to-earth. Instead of viewing the proverbial glass as "half empty" or "half full", I just try to accept that "there is something in the glass". And when that doesn't work, I focus on "there is a glass". Life is full of ups and downs, strikes and gutters, so I try to be consistent through good times and bad.
I'm shy... you wouldn't believe me if you sit down with me one-on-one, but I feel alone in a crowded room. I don't make small talk well with big groups of people, I'm no social butterfly, but I have a core group of close friends who are tried-and-true and always there for me like I'm there for them. That shyness is why I'm trying this site, because it seems like the type of people I really connect with are hard to find (well, at least at the bar or other usual social environments).
I love what I do as a Forester and Recreation Manager, and that is more important than how much I earn. I like to give back, to do things that positively benefit society, not just focus on me me me. I try, but I'm not actually always that good about it...
I live frugally; I'm not extravagant. I'm quite fiscally responsible, in fact. That's important to me - financial prudence, so to speak, because I don't like debt! Well, that and I don't want to work the 9-to-5 until the day I go underground! I want to travel and play and explore!
I am pretty independent, but I like to do stuff with people. Sounds contradictory... I like companionship; I don't like control. I definitely don't like being told what to do or how to think.
I'm spiritual, but not religious. I do think there is some kind of god or almighty power 'out there', but I don't know what or how or why. I don't do organized religion AT ALL. If you want to be good, do good. Going to sit in some proper building once a week for ceremony doesn't do much for me. The true embodiment of a deity is in the earth and the people around us. Maybe that's why I love being outdoors so much.
Forgiveness is important to me. I wish we could all do it better.
There isn't much that I don't like to do... Climbing, hiking, going out for a walk with my dog, skiing in the remote mountains (boo to resorts!), music, movies, clubs... I used to be soooo passionate about climbing, then I got burned out by the commercialism and egocentric nature of it all; I still love to climb, but it's different now. Same for skiing. I just like to be out in the mountains a lot; that's where I find my mental clarity and proof that there is a greater purpose in life - the fantastic world around us can't possibly be a coincidence.
I'm not grateful for enough things. I try to make a conscious effort to not take things for granted... my health, my prosperity, the people in my life. You only truly realize how un-grateful you may have been when those things are gone. If that is the lowest level of enlightenment I am ever able to attain - just to value everyone, I'll take it. It is something I try to keep in focus on a daily basis.
So, what exactly am I looking for in a relationship? Hard to say; interactions with every individual is so... different. You know when you get on well with someone - it just clicks; you know when you don't. I appreciate companionship, shared experiences, freedom and independence, consideration, compassion, cooperation, and fun!