gemma1974 (37) from Essex

I am fun and open-minded and like to expand my horizons by trying new things, talking to new people and travelling to new places. I am interested in lots of different things and especially finding out more about myself, other people and life generally.

I enjoy seeing friends and family, eating out and going to the cinema, the theatre, pubs and some clubs. I like to read a wide range of fiction and non-fiction and listen to most types of music. I love to go for long walks in the countryside, practise yoga and also play tennis, table tennis and badminton. I'm creative and I enjoy cooking vegetarian food, art and playing the piano.

I've got a serious and deep thinking side, but I always try to see the funny side of everything and I love to make other people laugh! I try to be self-aware and honest with myself as well as other people. I am not very materialistic but do like to spend money on travelling when I can. I have particularly enjoyed visiting America, Russia and Italy and also like to travel in Britain.

I live on my own with my 12 year old daughter, which is good fun, and I work part-time for a local charity as an administrative assistant.

I am looking to make new friends here who are open-minded, have a good sense of humour and are warm and friendly.

I would also like to meet a new partner after starting off as friends. I would like to be with someone who has a positive outlook on life and similar values to me, such as being open-minded, sincere and empathic with a warm and friendly attitude towards other people.

I would like a man to be self-aware, honest and in touch with his feelings. I would like to be with someone who is a good listener, intelligent, who makes me laugh and is caring and loving towards me.

It would be a bonus if we had some shared interests, although I think it's important to have separate interests and friends as well in order to keep the relationship fresh.