Lovetastic: dating for gay men who believe in love

I'm a natural diplomat, but I'm not afraid to tell you exactly what I think and feel at a moment's notice. I'm reasonable, tolerant, fair, always willing to listen to varying viewpoints, and ready to see the other side of an issue. Even if I strongly disagree with someone, I will try to find points of similarity and agreement rather than emphasizing the differences. I have a strong desire for harmonious and pleasant relationships and I will go out of my way to avoid confrontation rather than be in the middle of it, contrary to popular belief. I express a spirit of cooperation, compromise, friendship, and fairness. I very much want to be liked and because of my need for approval and acceptance (I am the gay, middle child of a large family, after all), I am easily influenced by others' opinions. Do not mistake this for meaning I am weak.

I am a person who thrives on challenge, and I often feel that I must battle my way through life, depending upon no one and nothing but my own strength, intelligence, and courage. I believe in being totally honest, true to oneself and one's own vision and convictions, even if that means standing alone. Standing alone is something I find myself doing often, but not because I don't have friends, because I often times have varying opinions which set me outside of the norm. Honesty, integrity, personal honor, and authenticity are my gods, and I have no sympathy for weakness of character in others.

I have a serious answer and a sarcastic answer. First, and foremost I would enact legislation that makes it possible for same-sex couples to marry. The idea that two people who love each other, in committed, long-lasting relationships aren't given the same rights as hetero counterparts seems irresponsible to me in this day and age. As for my sarcastic answer, I would (without trampling our First Amendment rights somehow) disable people who create and maintain shows like TMZ. What a waste of human life and talent. Dog The Bounty Hunter used the "N word" in a private conversation with his son on a cell phone. Somehow TMZ found this "news" worthy. I don't see anything news worthy about a man who gets paid to hunt people down on TV and his private telephone conversation with his son, regardless of the language used during that conversation.

Ex-boyfriends are never friends after-the-fact. Sorry, there's never any changing my mind about this. It didn't work at that level, what makes you think it will work on any other level? Sometimes it's OK to just let go and move on.

Life is one big show, both comedy and tragedy. I find comedic relief in almost every tragic event that has occurred in my life. Humor and laughter are important to me; help me diffuse awkward situations; and really help me see the softer side of life. Get to know me more and you'll understand why I'm on the fence about this question.

As I get older, it is more important to celebrate the people around me than my actual birthday. Having said that, I usually go to dinner with a couple friends on my birthday.

To be perfectly honest, I don't have a lot of free time for "free" reading. I do make time to read the paper every day, and aside from that text books seem to my regular reads, along with email and well, AIM.

Mayo-less sandwiches, protein drinks, sweet dreams, tasty cupcakes, baking in general, cooking at home, and walking hand-in-hand with the man I love.

I try to be an active person and that means going to the gym. It's basic "me time." In no way do I consider myself a gym rat.

I also like to spend time with my chocolate labrador, Riley.