Aubade, 54

My personality is even bigger than I am I'm a sensitive artist type, a little shy, and I'm not a dating site pro (nor certainly a dating pro in general). I prefer a gradual, friendly approach to dating. I do have a fiery side, as I am extremely liberal and opinionated about it. I am looking for someone who can see eye-to-eye with me on this, not to agree with me all the time, of course, but be enough of like mind that it isn't contentious, and we can have intelligent, varied conversations. I crack myself up, if I do say so myself. I want someone who can keep up with my rather big personality. Most important to me, with someone I date, is that I expect you to listen, be interested, and ask me questions about myself. "Be interested" is the key phrase here. You can't just pretend. If you're not, then what are we doing? I cannot tell you the number of dates I've been on where the guy didn't ask me a SINGLE question about myself. Literally. I want to hear about you, but I don't need to be subjected to three hours of "why John is the greatest man alive and you should sleep with him." I'm a great listener, am deeply interested in people, and will ask you lots of thrilling, flattering questions about yourself-- if I can expect the same in return. I'm also sweet and romantic, and very appreciative of little things about you. Turn-ons: Artistic tendencies, bookworm-ishness, creativity, sensitivity, a sense of adventure, honesty, openness, kindness, big beautiful eyes, strong noses, interesting hair, guys who love to laugh, being asked thoughtful questions, geeks, a wry, edgy sense of humor, diverse hobbies and interests, challenges to traditional gender roles. Turn-offs: Machismo, baseball caps (especially when worn backwards), militaristic interests, sports-watching addiction, conservatism, Republicans, horror, people who can't close their mouths or use hard consonants when they speak, s----l entitlement, self-centeredness, poor writing and bad grammar, slack inarticulateness, a lazy mind.