(Sorry, just realized that this is really long...)

In a nutshell:

I'm a nice guy. I love good things. An older friend, for whom I have a deep love and profound respect, called me a gentleman and a scholar, and I hope I live up to his pronouncement.

How I spend my time:

I work quite a bit. My job requires a decent amount of travel (roughly every other week) and sometimes late nights or early mornings. Thankfully, I'm all done with my MA now (was trying to finish my thesis while working a demanding full-time job), so I've got time for some other things beyond work and school.

My priority after work is the Church. I go to FHE and institute when I'm not traveling. I attend activities. I do what I can to fulfill my callings and support the ward. I've had some sweet opportunities to work with the missionaries, and treasure those experiences. I try to spend my time helping others where I can.

I like to exercise regularly and enjoy rock climbing, yoga, weights, among other things. I love reading, cooking, baking, art, dance. I just started learning how to sail, which has been something I've wanted to learn for years now, and finally have the opportunity to do. I'm not a big sports fan, but I like sharing what other people enjoy.

What I would do if I had more time:

Voice and piano lessons again, read more, teach ballroom, spend more time with friends, serve more... and dozens of other things.

Most important thing I look for in a girl:

Understanding her value, identity, and relationship with God and being accordingly committed to His purposes.

What I appreciate:

Unconditional love. Most of you women of the Church are already so good at this. I admire you for it.

Kindness and patience. Try as I might, I mess up a lot, so this helps.

Independence/interdependence. I find it difficult to be around people for long who depend upon me or someone else to be happy or to do the right thing. It can be frustrating, and it makes me a bit sad. I appreciate it when people choose for themselves. But when you get down to it, two or more people who contribute to a purpose with principled persistence can create something truly beautiful. I think of a ballroom analogy that I can't figure out how to explain succinctly enough for my liking, but suffice it to say that if you and your partner keep your own balance and hold your own weight independently, only then can you create seamless, beautiful, exhilarating movement with your interaction together. These moments of synergy are even more incredible in the spiritual and emotional realms of our lives.

Generosity. How wonderful it is to have! Whether we have much or we have little, to have anything--time, talent, money, means--is a blessing. What better way to show gratitude for what we have--and we all have something--than to give?

Confidence born of faith. There is that arrogant confidence that comes from pride and there is the solid, beautiful confidence that comes from trust in the Lord and an understanding of who we are. I love that. It's enthralling. It's empowering. It's beautiful.

Honesty, especially to self. It's about recognizing things for what they are. It's not about being self-critical, as that isn't completely honest. Honesty to self includes a large dose of mercy. That being said, I find it easy to have boundless patience and appreciation for those who recognize their weaknesses and strengths for what they are, opportunities and blessings.

Ability to say things that are uncomfortable, but important. I'm not always good at this, especially when it affects others. Some things hurt, but they are true and they need to be said. I appreciate it when people say them to me, either because I need it or they need it. But remember that "unconditional love" mentioned up above which allows for deep conversations wherein we can reveal the tender parts of our souls to others and be better for it.

Intelligence and curiosity. I love to learn, to think, to discuss. I appreciate opportunities to share that with others.

Work. What isn't valuable that doesn't require effort? I could probably put this under the next section, as I feel I've a long way to go in developing a love and talent for work myself, but it's something I appreciate.

Quirks and things I'm working on:

I hate TV and I hate fiction books. Sort of. It's more of a love-hate thing, really. Mostly, I hate that I get pulled in so easily to the neglect of most other things around me, and more often than not, I find myself wishing I had spent my time otherwise.

I have been told that I sometimes lecture or talk to people like I think they're dumb. Thank you to those who call me out on this, and sorry to those who receive it!

I also sometimes say things that may sound judgmental or absolutist. They absolutely espouse my beliefs and the standards by which I try to live. They absolutely do not mean I am judging or thinking poorly of those who see things differently. But, I still probably think I'm right. :)

I may have a thing for clothes. I may spend a little too much time and money on them. I'm picky about what I wear, and though I won't judge others on what they wear, I definitely have opinions on what looks good. The result, at least, is that no girl will ever have to worry about my not being presentable.

Things I want no part of:

Crude and base media, humor, images, or practices.

Physical intimacy without commitment.

Criticism of others.

Why I'm here:

I like filling out profiles, obviously. :) Or I'm looking to meet more wonderful women, so I can find my best friend, someone to love and serve, with whom I can raise a family, grow, learn, work, become happy and old.