Most of all, I'm looking for someone who's mature and thoughtful, and expects to give and get a lot from a relationship. I'd love to have someone who's educated and informed, and very much wants to connect on an intellectual level. I value ambition and drive in other people, and the desire for self-improvement, but these things aren't requirements. I'm a very positive and outgoing person, and I most enjoy the company of positive, cheerful people. None of this is a requirement, however. Anyone can contact me.
I'm absolutely not looking for someone impulsive, vulgar, or lazy.
I'm not religious. I don't mind what you believe, but I don't think it would be wise for me to try to make things work with a partner who is strongly religious. If you're religious, but your beliefs aren't set in stone, or they're just not an important part of your daily life and thoughts, that would probably be fine. I'll leave this up to you.
I'm not expecting a supermodel, but I'd like to find someone who's at least average-looking.
Almost everyone I talk to asks to start out as friends. That's a very good approach. I'm not in a hurry, and a great relationship needs to be built upon friendship.
I'm not planning on getting married, but it's possible in the long term, if it's something a partner wants to do.
I don't intend to force a partner to be part of my life and my plans. I'm not looking for someone to mould. I want someone with her own perspectives and goals. I'm very happy for a partner to pursue a career, or educate herself. Or, she can just spend her time enjoying herself, or pursuing what she's passionate about.