Woken-up (60) from Berkshire

I am intelligent with a fairly dry sense of humour, and enjoy conversations about important things, but have lived long enough to recognise that life is mainly routine, but punctuated by occasional and unexpected delights, insights and surprising people.

You will find that I am honest and truthful, and what you see is what you get.

I am around average height (5' 11") and slim build, reasonably fit and getting fitter. About 9 months ago I decided to lose weight and started running for 30 to 40 minutes most days - well, jogging if I am honest. I also swim once or twice a week, although my swimming technique is more like a drowning sheep than a dolphin; swimming inefficiently makes me work harder and use more energy, so there is no real incentive to improve ! I also enjoy long walks and would like to find someone who enjoys that too.

At work, I manage large IT projects, and I have spent a lot of my career working abroad, mainly in Europe and the US, and I still have to travel regularly. It is interesting to see different countries and their cultures, although it can be difficult to see more than the airport/hotel/office when you are working. I try to make a positive effort to get out and about while abroad; working abroad also keeps the work fresh, with regularly changing environments and people. I also enjoy going out to restaurants and bars with my colleagues in the evening - not entirely the same as a social life, but it has its moments.

I divorced 10 years ago after having been married for 15 years, and I have avoided any significant relationship while my three children were growing up (a son and two daughters, aged 19 to 23). Now they are now leading increasingly independent lives, they need my wallet more than my time, but we still talk regularly. I spent a lot of time and effort making sure my children were OK while they grew up, and I am very lucky to have a really good relationship with all of them.

At home, I am fairly domesticated - I can cook, but nothing sophisticated - my favourite meals to make are pasta in many forms, stir-fries and curries. Domestic chores are not high on my list of priorities - but who likes chores ?

I have normal social skills, or at least no-one has ever told me they aren't. I enjoy reading, mainly novels and books explaining scientific ideas. I usually listen to Radio 4 in the background when I am at home, for the politics and I also like the serendipity of other topics that pop up. I often watch television after work, to relax with something undemanding, and I prefer dramas, comedy, nature programmes and documentaries. In case I am starting to sound "way to serious and stuffy", my children and colleagues did get me interested in American Idol and Come Dine with Me. My taste in music is quite wide, but I mainly listen to rock from my youth and more recent ones selected by my children.

I do not smoke but I do drink, almost certainly more than I should according to government guidelines, but nothing excessive.

I am not a very masculine oriented man, and I have very little very interest in cars, gadgets or popular sports, although I do watch some football on television. Ever since childhood, I have always preferred female company and conversation to male.

Why "Wokenup" as a name ? Well, I am used to being solitary, although I rarely feel lonely, but I have decided it is time to improve my social life, take up more leisure activities, make friends outside of work, and find a partner if I am lucky enough to meet the right person. "Get a life" in summary.

I am looking for female friends and possibly a partner if I am lucky enough to meet the right person. I prefer slim, intelligent women, but I am open to alternatives.