"I don't drink alcohol"

[Muzh]

If, and it's a BIG if, I do end up with someone who has the occasional drink, of course I'm not going to try to convert her into a teetotaller - if she decides that she's happy to do so, that's a different story.

AK:

That's excellent! I will mention again, there are plenty of women, in what I will assume are in your age range, that would be more than happy living in a house with no alcohol at all. If you have written on your profile that the smell or taste of alcohol makes you sick (just for emphasis) and you still get letters from women that claim to be social drinkers, the chances of many of them living with no alcohol at all are good. However, the only way to find out is being with her for some time, and I'm pretty sure I don't have to tell you this.

Good luck in your quest.

[Rubicon]

I don't drink usually just means they do not drink hard booze but they do drink beer and wine.  hopefully you can accept that, or find a woman who really does not drink at all.

[Shostakovich]

Nah, forget those other morons - go with what you want.  Create something extraordinary.  There are too many McMarriages.

[Anotherkiwi]

AK:

That's excellent! I will mention again, there are plenty of women, in what I will assume are in your age range, that would be more than happy living in a house with no alcohol at all. If you have written on your profile that the smell or taste of alcohol makes you sick (just for emphasis) and you still get letters from women that claim to be social drinkers, the chances of many of them living with no alcohol at all are good. However, the only way to find out is being with her for some time, and I'm pretty sure I don't have to tell you this.

Good luck in your quest.

Thanks Muzh. I'm looking mainly at the 40-46 age group, although I've started corresponding with a couple who are younger (37 and 39).  It's early days yet, as I had to be sure after my last trip that I really wanted to pursue this by travelling again. As everyone has pointed out in other threads, this is not a cheap exercise - even though I've had two great holidays it has still cost me quite a bit more than I would have spent on a holiday in Australia or Tahiti (as examples).

Both previous trips have been WOVO and didn't work out, so I think next time I'll widen the search a little and perhaps follow the example in another thread of allowing two or three weeks with the one I think is the most likely future Mrs Anotherkiwi and a week or so with two or three others.  I didn't have a backup in either trip, so I was able to enjoy the holiday wihout distraction, although of course I would much rather have had the possible/maybe future Mrs Me at my side!

And for those who warn against considering marriage as the result of the trip, I will follow your advice and just look at anyone as a date to start with!

[Anotherkiwi]

Nah, forget those other morons - go with what you want.  Create something extraordinary.  There are too many McMarriages.

Thanks for the encouragement, but a lot of those "other morons" seem to have great marriages that they've worked hard to build.  Although I don't need a McMarriage, and certainly won't have one because of my personal situation, I will be extremely happy if I can join this ever-growing band!

[Shostakovich]

Thanks for the encouragement, but a lot of those "other morons" seem to have great marriages that they've worked hard to build.  Although I don't need a McMarriage, and certainly won't have one because of my personal situation, I will be extremely happy if I can join this ever-growing band!

Actually, the moron bit was tongue in cheek.  As for the great marriages - grass is greener and, in any event, this band is comprised of many who turn to the FSU when all else has failed, making it a dubious source of advice regarding women and the marital enterprise -- though there do seem to be some with wisdom gained through hard trial.  You can even see it on this thread with the diametrically opposed experience, all cast in stone.  It's tempting to reduce the FSU to simple formula - but there are variances in cultural mores in all regions. And your impressions of place depend, foremost upon your own perspective, but also the places where you engage it.  I spent 20 years living in Chicago, but there are an awfully large number of doors I've not passed through.  I'd not claim to be an expert. Clear perception counts for more than direct experience.  Your surest guide is always your own instinct, which, unfortunately, can be rather poor.  Nevertheless, I always wonder why people seek validation for what they want, though I can understand the wisdom of vetting desires a bit through discussion.  I can understand your desire for the alchy-free girl.  I generally can't stand TV.  It would drive me insane to be in a home where the TV or some music is always going and even the occasional show I'd be annoyed with, though the once-in-a-blue-moon show I find quite amusing; as a study in social engineering.  One pays a high price for constructing absolute walls.  As for the McMarriages - they are like McMansions; province of the well-to-do.