I have asperger's, and that has such an impact on relationships that I bring it up very quickly... being up front and honest about that has actually done just the opposite of running anyone off.

I'm an alcoholic, but I've been sober 10+ years. This tends to come up early whenever I meet someone new--not just romantic interests, but coworkers, friends, anything--because having drinks is pretty much ubiquitous.

I have no criminal history, no active addictions, the only abuse in my past is what I've been on the receiving end of. I don't pay child support because I don't have children (that would require a partner). I have 2 part time jobs, my own business, and I do quite a bit of volunteer/ community work.

The few exes who would actually talk to me after leaving have each said I'm a great guy, I did nothing wrong, 'it's not you; it's me', etc. etc. One of them even said I was the perfect guy and "the last person on earth to deserve this".

It's really not so much that I 'open up' as that I kind of relax a little and think "this time might actually be different".