It seems to be a cliche to say on dating sites, but I truly am an easygoing and consistently upbeat kinda guy. Unlike a lot of people on these sites, though, I tend to resist defining myself in terms of my career, or what activities I live for. (For instance, I'm talking about the type of people who immediately introduce themselves as, say, dentists, or triathletes, or as hardcore fans of Team X... as if that's the extent of their personality.) In that sense, I'm a generalist – I savor good friendships, good health, good food and drink, great conversation, laughter, fulfilling and meaningful work, etc.
Speaking of work, I'm currently a researcher in a molecular biology lab. I recently finished an MS in biology and could see myself taking that in one of many directions. I've enjoyed teaching as a part of my degree program, and am considering a career as a college professor (I don't know that I'd be able to handle K-12). However, with regard to subject matter, I'm not sure which I enjoy more: science, or thinking about science (i.e. philosophy of science). I'm also interested in other areas of philosophy (e.g. "" of religion, "" of mind) as well as psychology, so, if nothing else is certain, I have a feeling my career will probably be in academia.
In terms of my interests, I'm most certainly a geek (or is it nerd?). I used to be more of a computer geek and gamer, but have slowly changed "geek flavors" over the years, having become more of a science and philosophy geek. I've been really taken with (free) "lifelong learning" opportunities lately, so I feel like my interests are broadening out even more as I become a "pan-academia geek". I enjoy reading quite a bit, but I tend to get sidetracked from this in an attempt to merely keep up with world events, science news, etc. And, of course, social networking – and, y'know, my real social life – claims a fair amount of my free time as well.
Modesty forbids me to declare what I feel are my best traits, and I plead the Fifth when it comes to my worst ones. Let me just say that I aspire to being thoughtful, attentive, compassionate/empathetic, honest, funny/goofy, affectionate, trustworthy, loyal/faithful, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, and cheerful (the latter few are my favorites from the Boy Scout Law). I like to think I'm a critical thinker, which in part means that I value truth over other things; as such, I'll be brutally honest – yet still tactful and patient – in a conversation, and would hope for reciprocation in this regard. And while it doesn't seem fashionable to say it publicly these days, I'm an environmentalist, a feminist, and, though there aren't as catchy names for such things, I'm also a supporter of other disenfranchised groups, such as the mentally and physically disabled and the LGBT community.
Okay, so since this ain't your average social networking site, I suppose now would be a good time to mention my aims in joining Match. I'm afraid I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic; as much as learning and experiencing new things is important in my life, having a significant other to share it with – and to make happy (which, in turn, brings me happiness) – has always been of greater importance. That said, I'm looking for someone kind, considerate, and open-minded, but also thoughtful and critical (again, in the sense of being a critical thinker) when necessary; a woman with a sense of humor and a silly and/or sarcastic side; and one with integrity and honesty, who will be open with her feelings. Oh, and smart = sexy. As for mutual activities, I prefer more laid-back things, like hiking/taking walks, watching movies, playing board games (the sophisticated sort, not Candy Land), and, yes, conversation over a drink. I don't know that I have an ideal partner as exactingly figured out as some people seem to on here, but I'm very much willing to chat online and/or meet up to explore possibilities!
