Hey everyone. I'm up to 150 posts, and it doesn't look like I'm leaving these forums anytime soon, so I guess it's time to make an introduction! I'm 33, a former U.S. Marine, and work from home in Smallville PA as a software developer. I do work a couple nights a week at a restaurant as a way to get out of the house, and meet people.

My experience with serious relationships is limited despite my age. Through my early 20's I dated a lot of girls, but I didn't take any of them too seriously, and I definitely didn't get emotionally involved with any of them. There were a couple sort-of-serious relationships here and there, but not much. I joined the Marine Corps when I was 25, and that was basically four years of one night stands, and weekend romances. So I guess I'm a late bloomer when it comes to serious long term relationships.

I'm currently in a rocky relationship with a girl much younger than myself (Some of you might have read my posts). In dating her, and coming here, I've learned that relationships can be hard work! Full of ups and downs, and twists and turns. Because of the casual nature of all my previous relationships, I never learned that having a long term relationship with someone takes a lot of mutual understanding, communication, and a little blood sweat and tears. I honestly wasn't prepared for that! I didn't know you needed to learn things. I thought you started dating, started sleeping together, and everything else just fell into place. Man was I wrong!

Regardless of what happens between myself and my current girlfriend, I do feel I'm emotionally ready for real adult relationships, and I'm sure I'll be coming here for more advice, and giving the little advice that I can.