Damnedoldtiger

More about me:

61 Y/O professional. Divorced. Kids are on their own. Like music, photography, reading, movies, concerts among other things.

By way of introduction, I’m Mark. I am an established professional working in the Alexandria, LA vicinity as well as a faculty member at a local university. While I can dress with the best, I generally prefer jeans, t-shirts, and vests, and even when I am teaching class, that is probably how you will see me. I am in court a lot (not an attorney) and dress for the occasion. However, the rest of the time I go back into casual mode. I work as a licensed clinician overseeing community forensic psychiatry services for an eight parish region. My graduate training is in psychology. I worked in hospital environments for roughly 29 years before assuming my current position a few years ago. I will be eligible to retire from my day job in a couple of years, although I really don't plan to make any moves until I have a decent post-retirement life plan in place. For sure I will probably keep my faculty position after retirement from full-time employment as I enjoy engaging my students - not to mention that they can keep me on my mental toes at times. LOL

What makes me different? I am very well-educated yet can interact with folks on most levels. I am empathetic and a good listener, and can converse as well. I am financially secure and will retire without any compromise to my lifestyle, including owning the home, cars, boats, and other etc. "toys". I am very spontaneous on doing things, and sometimes unconventional in thought, which some like and some don’t. Being up front, I am currently working aggressively on my weight reduction for quality of life purposes as well as knowing that my future companion deserves a more attractive companion. I was married for 27 years and have been legally divorced for almost nine years.

I am looking for someone to do things with, be friends with first and see how things go from there. I have been in relationships where one party or the other hit the gas pedal too hard and fast, and it was an utter failure. So, I am interested in more of a slow and steady approach. That said, if the right person crosses my path, I'm willing to consider another committed relationship that contains honesty, fidelity, communication, and love among other things. There are times that are real enjoyable and can be more enjoyable with someone to share it with. There are also times of trial, and working through those times are a lot easier if there is emotional support. Trust me, you'll get the same in return.

About my ideal partner:

What do I want in a relationship?

Someone who is emotionally/mentally stable, has a sense of direction, thinks for themselves, takes care of themselves, and is practical and sensible. A sense of humor is a must - perhaps even on the bawdy side. Someone who is sincere, has emotional depth, and enjoys life - who can be a "partner in crime". I take care of myself, only date within my own race and you need to now live in Louisiana. If you're ultra-religious, I'm not your guy. I'm Episcopalian, but don't push it. Openmindedness, not being afraid to take a few chances, some similarity in life experiences and an occasional desire to ride on the wild side are assets. Being too rigid or uptight is definitely a liability. I talk "big boy, big girl talk" - but not around young children. Yes, there is a point in the relationship that the bedroom's an important factor. If there's a problem or over-sensitivity to any of those, then I'm not your guy. It's ok if you already have kids (have two of my own), but I don't want to make any new ones.

Relationships are give and take (both ways) and can be chancy. Yet, we all take chances to gain anything out of life instead of always living safe - and dull - I don't do "dull". Some things are simply just "crapshoots". You have no control over the roll of the dice. That is why it's called a "crapshoot". Your only control is your response to the results. Many poker games are not won by those holding the "high cards", but by those knowing how to play the cards they've been dealt and/or drawn. I'm not overly keen about a lot of texting; at some point I'd prefer to talk on the phone to get to know you better.