[tobeafamily]

Daisha,

I think you'll find that for every paparent, there will be a pbparent looking for someone 'just like them'. There are no 'hard and fast' rules around this.

For instance, we're the opposite - older (DH was 45 when we adopted), military, not particularly religious, both worked full time from home, favorite holiday is Halloween, and have lots of furry creatures. We thought any of these things would 'count against us' and indeed we did speak with people who for one reason or another didn't feel we were the 'right' parents for their child.

Ryan's bparents, though, immediately felt a bond with us, and we them. They are Wiccan, also love Halloween, have lots of furry creatures, didn't care that DH was two years older than one of their parents, etc. Ryan's bmom and I even share an unusual collecting hobby.

Most important is that you simply be yourself, don't pretend to be or portray yourselves any particular way than who you are. I think pbparents relate to that most, because honesty and trust are the basis of open and semi-open adoptions. If someone senses that you're 'pretending' or 'gilding a lily' now, that will raise more alarms than being honest and straightforward.

HTH, best of luck,

Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas