Two of my best friends describe me as "a wonderful, smart, kind, loyal, strong woman" and "lovely, strong, kind, loyal, loving, sensitive and supportive. And amazing." I know better than to argue with them, so there you have it!
I have two kids, one of each, aged 10 and 13. Separated from their dad since August 2016. It's been over twenty years since I was last "out there" and I've never really done the dating thing, so I guess what I'm looking for is to build up a friendship initially, with that spark and connection that says there's potential for it to become more than friendship, given time. Smokers need not apply - that's the one non-negotiable deal breaker for me. Ideally you will live within about half an hour of me otherwise the logistics will be challenging - life with two kids is busy enough, and I also have my own full and busy life too (read on!), so a long distance relationship is going to be tough. I am loving my freedom and independence, and thriving on it, so you also need to be reasonably happy and settled in your own life - I'm quite contented being on my own for now, not desperately seeking Mr Right, just exploring the possibility of building that connection with someone new. So we would be adding to each other's lives rather than filling a void, if that makes sense.
Enough about you! ;) let's talk about me :)
I am a self-employed hypnotherapist and training to become a counsellor as well. Hugely excited about this - very different from my 19 years in the civil service doing science and computing! I also volunteer with a local charity supporting bereaved children and their families.
I love being outdoors - walking, running, seeing new places, climbing trees! Also enjoy swimming, yoga and Pilates, and meditation / mindfulness. In 2013 I signed up for a 6 week self defence course with a local martial arts school, and somehow wound up getting completely hooked - I'm now an assistant instructor and have successfully gained my first dan black belt, of which I am hugely proud!! :)
I speak once-fluent French, although not as often as I'd like to now. Recently picked up my cello again for the first time since my kids came along - we now make up a trio (highly polished as I'm sure you can imagine...) with him on trumpet and her on keyboard, and it's enormous fun. Longer term I really want to join a local orchestra. And when we buy a house I will finally get that piano for which my grandparents left me money in 1999...!
Honesty is really important to me, both in myself and others. The most important thing in any relationship is trust, and that takes time to build. I'm very quick to forgive, and love easily, but trust has to be earned, and I go with my gut instinct on that. I believe life is for living, and make the most of every moment, embrace getting older because too many people don't have that luxury. I believe actions speak louder than words, and value people and experiences and quality time and laughter over material possessions and money. I aim to raise my kids to be kind above all else, to themselves as well as others, to have compassion and empathy, with the resilience to handle whatever life may throw at them, and the courage to stand up for what they believe to be right. To know their own worth and value, and to understand that they are no better or worse than anyone else. That their best will always be good enough - it doesn't matter if we can't do it, but it matters if we don't try.
Also love to laugh - messing about with the kids, out with friends and family, listening to podcasts or audio books, watching TV or theatre... I believe in gratitude and making the most of what we have, focussing on the positive and enjoying life.
Look forward to hearing from you :) xxx