So, as you've noticed, I haven't been around much lately (again!)...
Well, THIS time it's because a little more than a month ago I actually MET the girl I wrote about in the post that started this thread! It's the weirdest freaking thing. She just sort of appeared at work.
She's actually someone I've known in a very passive, regular customer kind of way for about a year. But we went out after work for a drink and kind of started spending all of our free time together for a about 3 weeks. The rest is history. We've been dating for a couple of weeks now (officially) and things couldn't be going better.
I've never gotten along better with anyone I've met. It's kind of crazy, but so far, awesome. I'm still wrapping my head around the idea that a girl 11 years younger (yeah, she's 23, I'm 34) than me is interested in me, but she seems genuine about it. And I'm getting used to it.

Seriously, I had her read that original post and she was weirded out for a second that I had described her and her views on me so accurately without knowing her. But we're both just going with it.
oh, and she thinks a shaved head is sexy.... who knew?

SO anyway, thanks guys for all your great input and advice about just sticking to being who and what I am. It's not always easy advice to hear or follow, but it certainly seems to have worked. THANK YOU SLY BRUTHAS.
Wish me luck