Looking for better love: I'm a warm, considerate foodie in search of a sociable, affectionate man

Age: 62

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

I’m a self-starter: I have my own home, I run my own business and I have postgraduate education. I may not be a thrill-seeker, but I enjoy learning through living.

I love travel, whether it’s a day or weekend trip, or  alonger vacation. I adore nature, although I’m past the camping stage: glamping or cottages are my limit for roughing it! I’ve been horseback riding in the Rockies and been to the top of the Matterhorn even though I’m afraid of heights. I’ve seen some of Europe but would love to see more. I went to the Kentucky Derby and picked the winner, but I’m not a gambler by nature.

I enjoy the arts, from museums and music to reading, theatre and movies. Food is a passion of mine: fine dining, wine tasting, distillery and craft beer maker visits, or just trying a diner in a small town that the locals recommend. I’m comfortable in most situations.

I’m pretty handy, too, and like woodworking and refinishing furniture; I try to fix most things around the house myself.

I’m kind and considerate, and often put others before myself. I care for my 98-year-old mother who still lives independently, but is losing her sight; this means running errands, and managing medical appts and finances, but I see this as a small price to pay for her care for me over the years. I’m very loyal and trustworthy: I accept people for who they are and I’m not trying to change anyone.

My dating history

I’ve had long-term relationships, but not for a few years now.

What I’m looking for in a relationship

I enjoy being part of someone’s life, sharing the day-to-day, but also looking farther ahead and making plans together. I want someone to share with, learn new things with, go new places with — someone who is loyal, trustworthy, kind and considerate, polite and willing to help others without being asked, someone who anticipates needs and isn’t too proud to laugh at themselves (and not laugh at others).

I’d like a partner that is educated and curious, and sociable, so we can explore new things and travel together. Being fit helps with this, too.

Financial independence is a must, along with a sense of humour and playfulness. I like an affectionate person.

Environmental consciousness is important to me as well, along with a love of animals, nature and spending time outdoors.

Why I’m doing it this way

When I saw this opportunity in the Toronto Star, I thought it would be a better way to look for companionship.

I thought that any person participating would likely already have some views in common since they would also be Toronto Star subscribers, so that would be a good starting point. It also shows that they’re interested enough to make an effort.

Maybe we could get together for a coffee and discuss the day’s events — and then take it from there.

Lightning round with Ali

What three movies or TV shows would you take to a desert island?

“Amadeus,” “Sliding Doors” and “Monty Python’s Flying Circus.”

What was the last fun outing you had?

One New Year’s Eve, a friend and I went to the cottage of a childhood friend in Mont Tremblant and everyone went tobogganing along the hilly driveway in the pitch-black dark! It was so much fun, and really exhilarating …

What are you most afraid of?

Becoming interested in someone who turns out to be someone other than who they present themselves to be.

What is your favourite food?

These days, simple, healthy foods, enhanced with adding a few extra ingredients of my own.

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

Horse whisperer Monty Roberts — learning his approach to training horses would be fascinating to hear first-hand.