As it's Valentine's Day and all, Gothamist thought it would be fun to run an interview with a single New Yorker. Lauren is an interactive project manager and talked to us about what it's like being single in New York City.
Name, age, occupation, where are you from and where do you live now.
Lauren P, 32, interactive project manager. Past: Pittsburgh, PA. Current: Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
Whenever Gothamist talks to our single friends and ask them what type of guy they're looking for, they always say, "I don't have one." So, what's your type? And what are you looking for in a guy?
I'm the first person with a type? Hard to believe. My type of guy is into culture - and he doesn't view Broadway musicals or crap comedy clubs as culture. He likes to see bands and films and art. He isn't money-hungry, but he's ambitious and has a job. He's got a great sense of humor and can make me laugh, but he knows when to be serious. Self-confidence is good, but not too much - and with a dash of self-effacing-ness. If he's in his 30s, that'd be icing on the cake - I'm not interested in dating anymore 18-year-olds.
You would think in a city of 8 million people, it would be easy to find someone. Why is it so hard? Do you think you're looking in the wrong places?
There are lots of reasons why it's hard to find someone in NYC. We're more self-involved here than people are in other places. And if you see someone who catches your eye, they're gone in an instant and chances are you won't see them again. The missed connections can help, but that's a different story. In my five and a half years in NYC, I've met a couple of really great guys - but either there was something missing from the equation (chemistry, compatible ideals, etc.) or they haven't yet gotten it together to ask me out or make a plan for a date. I think the biggest obstacle to getting dates or meeting someone is not a New York thing, it's pretty universal: guys are scared to ask girls out. We don't have claws and fangs!
What should any potential date know about you - why should they date you? Why shouldn't they date you? If it gets to that point, will they be able to bring you home to their parents?
A guy should date me because I'm fun and interesting and laid-back. I love to ask questions and listen to stories and i've got a great memory - I remember little details like the name of someone's childhood pet - and I'm generous and open and kind and am a great cook. My pierogies have brought men to their knees. But wait, there's more: I like cheap beer and seeing good bands, I look great in jeans, and I'm more sexy than cute. They should not date me if they're lazy or have ADD. I deserve a guy's attention. Their parents will agree. Parents love me.
Give us an idea of an ideal date. What should your date avoid doing while out on a date with you?
My ideal first date would be grabbing a few drinks at a low-key bar - nothing lounge-y or pretentious or too loud - or, if a guy is feeling ambitious, seeing a movie (I love movies and hardly ever go to the movies with dates) and then going for a drink. What should a guy not do on a date with me? Answer his phone when I'm sitting right next to him.
Any plans for Valentines Day? Maybe shoving lovey couples into the slush?
I was thinking of going to the gym, then getting my nails done and maybe waxing my legs. Unless some handsome devil wants to take me out....
