Looking for better love: I'm a generous, warm man looking for a down-to-earth woman

Gender: Male

Age: 66

Looking for: A long-term monogamous relationship with a woman.

I worked as a counsellor in harm reduction, doing street outreach and working with needle-exchange programs, and setting up youth hostels and group homes. Now, I’m happily retired. I have two wonderful children and a bunch of grandchildren.

I like to read the Star every day, and books as well. I love historical fiction and fantasy, along with autobiographies. I love visiting the library.

I eat well and enjoy cooking. I’m also in great shape at the moment, as I bike almost every day and work out at home every other day.

I would describe myself as honest, intelligent, generous, caring and laid-back (or so people tell me). I recently found contentment in life and find myself smiling for no reason at all, which was definitely unusual for me in the past. I have a positive, warm, welcoming personality.

I still have curiosity and value spontaneous decisions, like driving out east when I first retired, or flying to Calgary to enter a poker tournament last-minute (I do have a fondness for visiting the casino from time to time, although I wouldn’t describe myself as a hardcore gambler or anything). I have a good sense of humour and am easygoing. I can be a risk-taker. (Riding a bike in Toronto also qualifies!)

I play the guitar and sing, and have long hair and earrings. I am confident and secure in who I am.

My dating history

After a very long relationship (over half my life) with the mother of my kids, I’ve been divorced for over 10 years. I haven’t dated anyone for at least five years.

What I’m looking for in a relationship

I’d love to take my person out to see live music, go up to my cottage together, cook them a fine meal and see some live theatre together. Or serenade them! I’m old-fashioned and would always open the door for them.

I would like to date someone who is genuine and independent, healthy and active, and secure in who they are and what they want. They must like music and nature and travelling, or at least be open to them. They should be financially secure, too.

Bike riders and outdoorsy folks who love camping and cottaging are especially welcome! Deal-breakers include being a Donald Trump fan, or not liking nature, travel or affection.

Why I’m doing it this way

I decided to try the Star as I enjoy those columns. I was inspired to take part because the Star is not a dating app or service and any respondents must have read my column and liked what I had to say.

I came in fifth in a poker tournament and won a ton of money but had no-one to share that with. I learned a new song, same thing. The last snowstorm we had was so beautiful, amazing and wondrous and filled me with awe — I wish I had someone to share that with. Going to a show or folk festivals or even watching a movie at home would be better with someone to share it with.

Could that be you?

Lightning round with Patrick

What three movies would you take to a desert island?

“The Last Samurai,” “Love Actually,” and “The Shawshank Redemption.”

What was the last fun outing you had?

I have fun outings every day as riding my bike is such a pleasure. Recently I saw ”& Juliet,” and also drove to Montreal (where I was born) just for the fun of it.

What are you most afraid of?

Rejection, judgment, getting old.

What is your favourite food?

My own personal recipe for beef bourguignon.

If you could spend the day with one celebrity, who would it be and why?

Julia Roberts. I’ve admired her acting skills in almost all the movies she has made, plus she also gives a lot of money to charity and has for a long time.