A selection of some of the dating profile's we've written.
After ten years in the confines of my City job, I decided to mingle work and play in the great outdoors as a ski instructor. This fed and watered me while studying for my recently acquired Masters Degree, and I am now exploring new career paths. In the past, I have worked voluntarily as a lifeboat crewmember, which combined my passion for intrepid open-air pastimes with something worthwhile! My friends describe me as being good fun and a good sport, as well as being loyal and reliable when they need me.
I lead an active, adventurous existence and have a lust for travel. I like to taste all life has to offer and long to explore new destinations, such as China, Eastern Europe and the Scottish islands. I speak French, which comes in handy when ordering a well earned hot chocolate halfway up an Alp! I’m into sports for all seasons and terrain – water sports, winter sports and ball-based sports! You’re more likely to find me hoisting a spinnaker on the high seas rather than tentatively dangling a manicured toe on a poolside cruise – it just doesn’t float my boat! There’s nothing I like more than the tingle of mountain air on my face as I slalom over moguls down a powdery piste among sparkly snow-tipped peaks. Top that off with some good food, lively conversation and wine to warm the cockles, and I’m on top of the world! In toastier climes I’d rather sleep under the stars than in a homogenised all-inclusive hotel.
It’s not all about the energetic outdoors with me – I’m interested in photography and modern art so I like to take in an exhibition or two when not hurtling down a mountain or putting a hole-in-one (I wish!) And I’m pretty content to spend cosy evenings kicking back with some trashy TV or catching up with friends and family.
My ideal date would involve a fun-filled day of any outdoors /sporty activity. Following that, we could bask in the afterglow in a romantic riverside restaurant. A gentle sunset stroll by the water would be the perfect end to a perfect day. The person I’m hoping to do this with will share my zest for the outdoors and be up for sampling new places and activities together. Hopefully we’ll have a laugh in the process – I do find sarcastic wit a bit of a turn-on! As for turn-offs, I’m not too keen on body piercing and tattoos, so no nipple rings or arm scribbles thank you!
Without wanting to totally ditch my adventurous escapades, I am ready to settle down and have a serious relationship. I hope this will lead to children – perhaps an even foursome family would make up a great doubles team or sailing crew!
I'm a country boy at heart – one who’s been living in the big city for a year now. But you never shake that love for big, wide-open spaces, so I made sure I settled down in a house right next to one of London’s best parks. Don’t get me wrong, London is an amazing city and I’m loving exploring its attractions and living there – ideally, I’d like to be shown more of its sights and sounds on a date or two! But still, when I get the chance – especially when it comes to holidays – you’ll find me walking and climbing in Wales or Scotland. I guess I like the best of both worlds.
And that house next to the park I mentioned, well … I share it with a bunch of talented and ambitious musicians. And, while it might not quite be ‘The Factory’, it does feel like being part of an artistic hub – and that fires me up. I love food and I like to cook for people there, too. As Shakespeare wrote: ‘If music be the food of love, then play on.’
I’m a double-bassist (now that’s not an introduction you hear all that often), and I moved to London to pursue my musical career. In that sense, I’m pretty focused and it’s a career I work hard at. But it’s also a career I love and I know I’m lucky to make a living doing what I’m passionate about. It’s taken me all over, too – as far as Australia and New Zealand, and recently to New York, where I fell in love with the City and realised I still had loads to learn about music.
I’m always open to new things, to learning, to broadening my mind and my horizons. Life is an adventure, after all, and I’ll try most things once – at least! Perhaps because of my experience and openness, I like to think that I'm a genuinely good and friendly person. Certainly, all my friends think I'm fun to be around and they’re always happy to see me. And that speaks volumes.
Oh, and don’t think of me as all beatnik and arthouse, striking wistful poses as I conjure jazz breaks in my head. I’m creative, yes, and I can improvise at the drop of a hat (a good skill for life, not just in music!) and that’s fundamentally important to me and to who I am. But I’m a red-blooded male, too – one who loves his sport and his exercise whenever he gets the chance. I’m an outdoors type, when all is said and done. (Don’t forget those country roots.) And on the arts-side, it’s not all high-brow improv, anyway: I compose material for my own band, too.
So what about the ladies? Well, my female friends tell me I’m ‘lovely’. Now, I really don’t like to blow my own trumpet, but I think I’m more than that. After all, I’m strong and know what I want – so much so that sometimes I’m lured by the temptation of donning a ‘no more mister nice guy’ persona. But then I pause – since when is being nice a thing to be ashamed of? No, I’ll stick with the truth: my friends tell me I’m great to be with, and that’s good enough for me. My hope is that you’ll want to find out for yourself.
My perfect date? Well, imagine the sun setting, blazing and brilliant, casting its fiery light onto the ebbing Thames as we stroll together along the South Bank towards the glowing stonework of Tower Bridge. And then a perfect table for two in a cool-but-not-too-fancy restaurant with river views. Followed, perhaps, by the laughter of a great stand-up gig. All relaxed, fun, no pressure.
My ideal partner? Well, she’s pretty, of course, but in an understated, deep kind of way. And she has a talent she’s passionate about (like me with my music). She’s friendly, caring and bubbly, not hiding her feelings but being honest and open with them. And, lastly, she has a lot of love to give. In other words, I guess she’s kind of like me! So if you’re out there, get in touch. I’m longing to hear from you.
Have you ever opened a new copy of a book and had a small appreciation for the sweet smell that lay within the binding? Have you stood in midst of a museum and found yourself in awe of the beauty and talent that surrounded you on every wall? Have you explored the crevices of an English village and its inhabitants, finding charm in every corner? If you have, my next questions might throw you off.
Have you, in the same week, found yourself fascinated by the sheer thrill and speed associated with motor racing? Have you found your adrenaline pumping as you plowed through the defense in a rugby game? Have you found that your body sways and your foot taps when you hear music because it feels like a perfect release at the end of the day? I have, and I find that living life amongst art, athletics and the sound of an acoustic guitar creates the balance I need.
While maintaining balance in my life is important to me, so are the relationships I keep. Strike me with a witty tongue and you’ll make me laugh. Have a genuine personality and you’ll peak my interest. Engage me in a reciprocal, genuine conversation and we’ll have chemistry.
Before you start to think I have to fill my life with museums, conversation and excursions through the countryside to be complete; the contrary is actually true. I pride myself on my independence, confidence, diplomacy and practicality. Personal time is important to me in order to foster a sense of self. When alone, pilates, yoga and cardiovascular activities help to keep me fit and stress-free. In addition, I’d feel guilty neglecting to mention my dogs and the enjoyment I get from walking them through the fields.
So what am I looking for? I look forward to spending time with a man who is both mentally and physically healthy. I feel that a successful relationship can be achieved only when both individuals are an authentic version of themselves and capable of genuine communication. A man who sees living an honest life and a life full of passion, is a man that I would like to share adventures, my thoughts, and my times with.