I'm new to the lifestyle and am having trouble finding someone who is open to "welcoming" me, so to speak. Anyone have any suggestions as to whom might be willing to accommodate me?

you a willing to give the required information it's not too hard.  Look around on Preferred411 and see who is Newbie friendly or just send some e-mails and ask politely!!  Good Luck

you should pay the Newbie board a visit and read a few threads. This type of question comes up a lot, and there is plenty of advice available. Also, read the Self-Help center - all of it!

There are certain time-honored ways to engage in the hobby, proven to be safe for both the guys and the gals. You can easily pick up on them from the Newbie Board threads.  

Good luck.

I will happily see newbies if I can get a little information beforehand. I will be in Columbia later this month and travel to the dc area often. I also live in Wilmington if any of those of those areas would work for you.

Thank you everyone, for all your advice. Nikki, you'll be hearing from me for sure.

Larissa,

Thanks very much for your input as well. If I'm going to start engaging in the hobby, I can't see being anything but open and honest. I haven't applied for a P411 account yet, but I'm probably going to do so soon, especially if it allows me to put some people at ease. I'm not adverse to sharing some real world info as well, but obviously I value my privacy as much as others do, so as long as it's not extraneous I don't have a problem identifying who I am.