TALLTONI, 57
The (twin) daughter of Dutch immigrants, I am often told that I am straightforward/ honest/ unafraid to broach things which need addressing, much like folks from the East Coast. I suppose it is why I am frequently asked if I am from the East Coast. Yet I am also sensitive, sometimes too much so (Ah, well; Emerson spoke of a "foolish consistency".) Other descriptors: intelligent, educated, artistic, conversational, successful, curious, active. I am high-school English teacher by profession, and, yes, I do have to bring work home and give up time in the evening and on weekends. However, I also insist on having a life, which means working out, going to a foreign film, an art show (vs. a craft show), an outdoor concert, a play (my favorite thing to do), or a new coffee shop. At this point in my life, I am looking for a companion with whom to do things - or not, as I also believe that each partner has friends and interests in and of himself or herself and comes to a relationship as an independent person. But having dinner alone is no fun; neither is sleeping alone (in its definitive sense), nor waking up and reading the morning paper while drinking coffee; you get the idea, "No man (woman) is an island, " as they say.