In the meantime, however, I will share something about my personal life by copy/pasting what I just posted on facebook:
People who know me and my former serial monogamist ways were shocked when I declared that I was going to take a year off from any sort of dating at all... and did it. For a year-and-a-half, even! Not only did the last relationship I have completely destroy me but I felt I needed to take the time to learn about who I am when I'm not one half of a partnership and soaking up someone else's habits, tastes and mannerisms, as we tend to do over time, when in a relationship. Who am I when I'm not morphing into "us"?
It was the best gift I've ever given myself! I know that when I see how much my children and I have bonded, how much my self-confidence has grown, the direction my home decor, career, travels, etc. have taken, the people I've been meeting and befriending, the overall sense of happiness and in the way that I am living my life out loud.
I see it most, however, now that I am thinking of dating again. The shit I used to let slide not to have to be alone! Wow! I know what I want and, more importantly at times, what I DON'T want and that is how I can write messages like the following, instead of over-thinking and somehow convincing myself that I should give the guy a shot because I need to have someone or multiple someones in my life:
"I'm slightly torn here because you're tall and I like that, you're handsome enough, you can spell (sadly a rarity in these parts), you sound like you know what you want out of life, you seem to enjoy a lot of the same things as I do but the wrong date of birth thing is an alarm bell, as is the fact that everything in your profile feels like it's dripping with arrogance. I think I will pass and wish you good luck because I, too, know what I want and this, over any length of time, would piss me off.
I'll leave you with two tips, if I may: Opening up your first message to someone with "I may be mistaken but your profile seems somewhat interesting" is probably more eyebrow raising than smile-inducing. Secondly, telling women what kind of shoes they should wear and how often is also probably not the best plan if you want to attract strong, sure-minded women, as you so state.
That said, you have one of the more (somewhat) interesting profiles I've seen in a while (unless I'm mistaken) and I'm sure you'll do well out there. And again, good luck!"
On that note, I will make a pot of decaf and a smoothie and start my day. Have a great week-end!