I think there's a code about relationships. If you and I don't crack it, and just hook up based on looks, social ranking and past relationships' lessons-learned, we will go through the same prior failed process and end up - again, maybe indefinitely - where you and I are now here for! You Late forties to early fifties. Make it a classy challenge, not a social privilege, to your prospective mate to deal with you being: educated, intelligent, attractive, classy, down to earth, spontaneous, funny, witty, playful, passionate, communicative, etc. Know your MBTI, so you unapologetically own whatever traits are you (and others may avoid mentioning); e.g., deep thinker, work hard and play harder, honest to a fault. Me Syrian by origin, been in the US for over 3 decades, so, I'm as American as apple pie. Well educated; my job is in Science/Engineering and I like it ( = workaholic); I also write scientific papers. My personality type is INTJ. That's a hardwired thing. Please check INTJ online/YouTube, in case some aspect of it doesn't click well with you. On faith, the Syrian conflict made me, for 2 years, dig seriously deep into religion. Post that research, my attitude towards faith is that of an apatheist ( = it is irrelevant to me). I play, and even compose music, and I have had an eye for photography since youth. I'm kindhearted and often pay it forward. So, hope you're up for an interesting first date chat on happiness, love and what life is about. It will be worth it :)