I just celebrated my 31st birthday and I'm confident that I've reached a place where I really feel like I know who I am and what I want in life and that I don't have to settle for anything less. I want a partner who is open and excited to always seek out and have new adventures and experiences with me. Someone who knows how to pull that little kid out of me, but also knows that there's a time and a place for that, just as there is for being an adult, a professional, a companion, etc. I genuinely care about other people and want to help change the world in whatever little ways I can. I want to be with someone who can share that feeling--someone who considers other people's feelings and understands that the smallest acts of kindness can completely turn someone's bad day around. Travel is super important to me--I want to see every nook the world has to offer and experience everything I possibly can. I just got back from three weeks in New Zealand and am determined to see India, Tuscany/Florence, Egypt/Greece/Israel/Turkey, Thailand and Peru/Chile before I turn 36. I am a firm believer in honest communication, trying to understand my partner's position, compromise and not going to bed angry. Life’s too short to waste time fighting. At the same time, certain core values can't be compromised, so I'll always look for a way to meet you in the middle, but you have to be willing to take a few steps my way as well. I've survived my share of hardships in life and, if there's one thing they've taught me, it's that I really don't like drama, so I try hard to limit my exposure to it. I also tend to be too serious sometimes as a result, but there is a very playful, hyper, goofy side to me as well. I'm a great friend. I listen...and really try to hear people. I give great advice, but don't always heed it in my own life. I am a complete animal lover and absolutely ADORE my dogs. I love the outdoors and try to get out hiking, to the beach or just to the local park as much as possible. I read before I go to bed. I have a morbid curiosity about unsolved crimes and murders that stems from my days as a reporter covering the crime beat. If I could be anything in the world, I'd be a brain surgeon...or a cop. I'm an adrenaline junkie and long to have more adventure in my life. I am brutally honest and want someone who will be the same with me, even if that means telling me I’m wrong sometimes. I usually know what I want and I always go after it. Most of the time, I get whatever it is in the end. I'm over the 20-something bar scene--been there, done that--and am not looking to date someone who acts like he has just discovered the magic of alcohol. I do love live music and getting out on occasion for a drink, but in the right relationship, would probably prefer a night at home with my boyfriend over a wild night of drinking until 4 a. m. Still, I can be very social in the right crowds. I want to find someone who will tolerate my limited knowledge, but intense desire to learn more about sports. Surprises are good (they don't have to cost a dime), and door-opening will never go out of style. My mom used to tell me I was living in a romance novel and that the kind of love I'm looking for doesn't exist. I'm holding out hope that maybe she was wrong.