I get you, doodler. I don't really dip into the online pool these days because I'm not sure I care enough to be there. I also have a religious faith issue which can throw a fly into the ointment. I'm coming to the conclusion that I would be most comfortable with someone of my denomination who cares about what I care about and doesn't just "tolerate" it. On dating sites, all I have to do is say I want my matches to be Seventh Day Adventist...and the matches dry up instantly lol. Anyway, Ginger I prefer to have guidelines rather than rules. We all look at our experiences and notice patterns...when I do such and such it doesn't work so we decide not to do it. It saves us time and energy. For example, online I don't approach women who write "ask me" as their profile...it you're too damn lazy to write something then what can I expect from you as a potential partner, probably not much. Now, I could be wrong but on the most part experience teaches us who and what we want to put our energy into. So, guidelines are good but not golden rules! When you make an exception then know why you're making it and recognize that you are taking a chance...and it could turn out bad. YOU make that choice and therefore are no longer the victim of that person you chose to violate your guideline for. Again, set a pace you are comfortable with and don't just toss aside your "rules" to make him happy...I sense you do that. Let us know how things flush out with the plumber
