So I was talking with my mom a little last night, and she asked me if I had thought about joining a certain singles website that caters to ONLY people of my faith. I told her I had not thought about it, and that it seemed way too soon.
After we stopped talking though, I thought about it more. I realized that both times before when I was in a serious relationship, I gave myself YEARS afterwards before looking again. I'm nearly 39. I don't really have that luxury of time anymore.
So I decided that I may as well create a profile and see what happens. I have done everything necessary except for submitting a full length photo - will have to find someone to do that.
Anyway, as people who have read a lot about my life and thinking over the years, I thought maybe some of you might be able to offer me some pointers or insights into what I put into the free writing sections.
I especially would like feedback on the "What I don't want" section. (I only have 600 characters for each of these sections, so if you can think of ways to condense some of what I'm saying so I can add more ... 
)
What I Want in a Partner:
I want my best friend. Someone I can laugh with, play with, be serious with, share all the good, bad and in-between events of life with, knowing that no matter what we are there for each other. I am looking for a partner - someone who understands that a relationship is a two way street, and wants to learn and grow together in studying God's word. At the same time understands nobody is perfect. Someone who can be happy staying at home, but also enjoys going out and being active together. Someone who understands the importance of family, but also prioritizes our relationship.
What I Don't Want
I do not need someone who holds on to grudges for a long time. I do not need someone who is content to be at home anytime they are not at work. I do not want someone with a nighttime work schedule. I do not need someone who thinks that making fun of others is humorous. I do not need someone who does not see how vandalizing another person's property is wrong. I do not need a food critic. I do not need someone who is ultra-conservative in their faith.
What I Offer a Partner:
I am a giving, caring, generous person who loves with her whole heart. I am a good listener and will be your biggest cheerleader. I love going walking in the woods and spotting animals, or doing bodyweight exercises. I love animals and children. I volunteer at the local no-kill cat shelter, and have taught Primary Sabbath School before in a previous church. I just recently moved to where I am, so am still looking for ways to get involved.
Intro Note: (The first thing they see - have lots of characters left on this one.)
Hi, If you are seeing this then this must mean that we share some interests. If you like to make people laugh, enjoy going for walks and talking about life, and would like a partner to enjoy life with, then give me a look. 
My relationship with the church and God
My dad was an SDA minister for 34 years. When I was 9 I asked to be baptized, and he convinced me to wait til I was 11. I have always known in my heart that God is a loving Father - it is something I have never questioned. What I have struggled with is my relationship with the church. I grew up going every Sabbath. Then some events happened with my family and it caused me to stay away for several years, going sporadically. Now I go much more regularly, having recognized its importance in my life and walk with Christ.
So ... what do you think?
Looking For Your Opinions
September 14th, 2014 at 02:23 pm
September 14th, 2014 at 02:56 pm 1410703002
September 14th, 2014 at 02:59 pm 1410703162
September 14th, 2014 at 04:28 pm 1410708532
Under what I don't want I see that you have changed the word "want" into "need". That's very interesting.
I'd be specific about things like smoking/drinking/married men/children/gambling and pet peeves like neatness etc. in the don't wants.
I am thrilled you are doing this for yourself Laura!
September 14th, 2014 at 05:59 pm 1410713966
September 14th, 2014 at 08:06 pm 1410721618
September 14th, 2014 at 09:35 pm 1410726956
September 14th, 2014 at 10:40 pm 1410730825
I can also attest to having friends who met on catholicmatch. Both were 40 year old devout Catholics, never having been married before. They were married on 11/15/13 and we just visited them at the hospital yesterday where their baby girl was born.
September 14th, 2014 at 11:44 pm 1410734646
September 14th, 2014 at 11:55 pm 1410735344
LR - the questionnaire does ask about eating habits, but reiterating it probably isn't a bad idea.
September 15th, 2014 at 06:52 pm 1410803535
As for the profile, I like it. So long as you like it, and it is you being you, it is fine. I have seen people make some pointers that are towards the gimmicky, even though it may work, but I've always avoided gimmicky tricks myself. Well that's assuming when I actually do make a profile, as I currently do not have I.
September 15th, 2014 at 07:12 pm 1410804752
September 18th, 2014 at 12:24 am 1410996295
What if a potential match has five fish and a cat? He would have too many pets?
September 18th, 2014 at 12:26 am 1410996392
September 18th, 2014 at 02:05 am 1411002343
LF - How can I word it efficiently though? I just don't want to get into another situation where there are multiple to the extreme cats. It was so overwhelming at times. I'd be fine with five fish, two or three cats, two or three dogs, and a tankful of turtles. It's just when the dogs or cats are more than a few, it's just too much. Unless maybe you have a HUGE place to spread them out in.
thanks
September 19th, 2014 at 01:23 am 1411086234
Like:
No Smokers.
No one who laughs at the expense of others or is unkind.
No unmotivated slobs.
No one who keeps more pets than they can properly care for.
(You are going to have the opportunity to connect, talk, meet and/or date - at any point you can see for yourself what the pet situation is.)
September 20th, 2014 at 11:29 pm 1411252168
September 21st, 2014 at 12:38 am 1411256303
PS - I know what you are talking about.