Daniel Stimler

Age: 39
From: New Orleans, LA
Currently lives: Johnston, RI

Ok, so tell us about what makes you eligible. What are your interests/hobbies/quirks? What would people be surprised to know about you?

I decided, while I was on active duty, that I would wait to pursue a meaningful relationship until after I was out of the military. I found it difficult to maintain a relationship amid constant deployments and the occasional relocation to the other side of earth. Now that I am out of the Navy I genuinely feel ready to start a long term relationship.

My interests are varied but my top would be cooking, trying new restaurants/bars, traveling, and riding my motorcycle. I also have a passion for driving so road trips are extra enticing.

Most people are both surprised at my age and my experience. I’ve traveled the world and have seen, and done, things most have not, though I owe most of that to our amazing military. I served on submarines which can also be surprising to most people.

What are you looking for in an ideal mate? What about an ideal first date?
My ideal mate would challenge me both mentally and physically to be a better person. I would like someone I could have heated discussions with about anything from politics to what should go into a proper martini. Fist dates should be fun. I think too much pressure is placed on first dates. It really should just be a relaxed experience simply to find out if you enjoy each other’s company. Normally I enjoy meeting in someplace new (for both of us) for drinks and possibly appetizers, that’s it!

What's your perfect weekend? Where can we find you in your downtime?
My perfect weekend would be driving (or riding depending on weather) up the coast to the White Mountains to spend some time at a cabin with friends. Fire up the grill, do some fishing, drink some beer, talk about life…

In my down time I’m normally either doing homework or experimenting in my kitchen.

Let's talk about dating in Providence. What's your take on the singles scene here?
I don’t think the singles scene is all that much different in Providence than most cities in the United States. I think we have a lot of potential with our rich restaurant and bar scene, it’s just a matter of convincing a girl to join us and that is where the challenge is. Again, I think too much pressure is placed on the first date. Just get out there and see what happens. Bad dates are part of the process, don’t let it discourage you.

Every single one of your married friends has probably recommended online dating. Have you tried it? How do you feel about matchmaking sites? Tinder?
I’ve tried most of the “normal” sites such as Match.Com and OkCupid. I even tried tinder but found it was just too “heartless”. I think any way that allows you to meet new people in a healthy and fun way is perfectly acceptable. There are no tricks or short cuts in dating, it’s just a matter of meeting the right person and I’ve got news for you…you’re probably going to have to meet quite a few that aren’t, in the process.

Do you have any really funny dating stories?
I have an online dating story that is kind of funny. It involves an old VW beetle and a date that looked nothing like her photo.