Hello, my name is Steve. I'm 35 and looking for a real connection.

I got separated/divorced 2 years ago. I spent the time after working on myself and changing all the things about me that contributed to the failure of that relationship. I had an amazing relationship late last year with a woman 13 years younger than me and it really showed me that I enjoy the dynamic of an age gap. Not a DDLG situation, but a real relationship with a bigger age difference. That relationship had to end simply because of life getting in the way. Her life and my life just went in different directions because we're both in the military. It ended on good terms, and wasn't what either of us wanted, just facing the reality of the situation.

With all that being said, I know what I like, what I don't like and more importantly what I'm looking for in a partner. I'm extremely guarded and will take a while to truly open up to another person. If I haven't pushed you away yet, here's a little about me:

I have 2 boys that are 5&8 years old. They live with their mother and eventually I will be moving to the same city so I can be close to them. Their mother and I co parent and have joint custody. I'm not interested in having more biological children but am very open to the idea of adoption or fostering.

I'm in the military and have been for 16 years. This tour will be my last tour and then I'll be retiring.

I enjoy traveling and exploring. Outdoors like hiking, camping, long road trips, things like that. I also enjoy working out. These are things I really want in a partner. Do you have to be in amazing shape? No. But you do have to have enough energy and passion for being active to join in on those activities.

I game. I play WoW and a lot of simulators. If you game too that's awesome but really just understanding that gaming is another way I decompress.

I very much value clear and consistent communication. You have to be willing to have hard talks without getting upset when there are disagreements. Healthy communication is a non negotiable. I didn't spend the last two years reading self help books and going to therapy to be with another person who won't communicate.

Long post I know. If you made it this far and aren't scared off yet, please reach out. You don't have to live in Virginia, but you should be willing to eventually relocate if things progress to that point. I unfortunately cannot relocate because of my job, and because when I retire I am going to live near my kids.

I hope to hear from you.