Category Archives: Relationships
We Tried 10 Ways To Commute in DC. Which Was Best?
DC’s never had more commuting options—or more hype around them. Intrepid reporter Jackson Knapp tried every method from his Cathedral Heights home to our office near Farragut Square.
Jump Bike
Cost: $2.
Door-to-door time: 25:11.
These “e-bikes” offer an electric boost each time you pedal, making it easy to go uphill.
Metrobus
Cost: $2.
Door-to-door time: 27:40.
I had to sprint to the stop. (The 37 comes infrequently.) Thank you, driver, for waiting.
Dockless Bike
Cost: $1.
Door-to-door time: 28:11.
These can be tough to find uptown after 8 am. I eventually scored an orange Spin bike on Wisconsin Avenue, zipped through traffic, and dumped it right outside the office.
Dockless Scooter
Cost: $5.50.
Door-to-door time: 29:30.
Fast but uncomfortable. And where to drive it? Cars honk if you’re on the road, and pedestrians scowl if you’re on the sidewalk.
Lyft
Cost: $23.10.
Door-to-door time: 31:19.
My driver went the wrong way to get me, but when he did finally appear, he offered lovely (though unsolicited) dating advice.
Uber
Cost: $22.76.
Door-to-door time: 32:07.
The driver came fast but then took a bad route through Rock Creek Park.
Capital Bikeshare
Cost: $2.
Door-to-door time: 33:05.
I found one easily near my house, but parking was a problem: Docks fill up fast downtown, so I burned five minutes looking for a slot.
Metro
Cost: $2.25.
Door-to-door time: 33:18.
It’s a hike to my nearest station, which accounted for much of the elapsed time. I saved several seconds by brisk, left-side escalator walking.
My Car
Cost: $13 (for parking).
Door-to-door time: 35:34.
Free advice: Never drive down 19th Street south of Dupont Circle during rush hour.
Walking
Cost: $0.
Door-to-door time: 53:04.
I felt inspired and invigorated while strolling through some of the city’s prettiest streets. I was also late for work.
This article appeared in the June 2018 issue of Washingtonian.
Six essential tips for dating a Gemini
Of all the signs in the zodiac, Geminis get a bad rep. Dating-wise, they’re known as charmers, flirts, sometimes geniuses, often confusing, and frankly, perhaps the primary fuckboys of all the signs (sorry, Geminis). It’s a mixed bag! So, in honour of Gemini season, here’s some advice on what makes them tick. Are Geminis actually always playing games, or are they perhaps just misunderstood? Most likely to flake, but also one of the most fun when they do appear, they are enigmas and it will always take a little bit of strategising to make them stick around. Here’s six tips that could help you navigate the minefield that is dating a Gemini – good luck.
TEACH THEM SOMETHING
Geminis value intelligence, and want to be intellectually stimulated. Being genuinely interested and interesting will get you far with them. Have your own passions, topics, expertise that you’re excited to talk about – especially things they don’t know. Impress them with your genius. Your brilliance attracts the Geminis in your life, and keeps them coming back for more.
DON’T REPEAT YOURSELF
For Gemini, hell is old information. Having the same conversation multiple times (or listening on loop while you rehash the past again and again) will make these easily distracted people bolt for the door.
KEEP THINGS LIGHT
Geminis are curious and chatty, but they may not want to dive into the depths with you until they really know you well, or feel they have a good reason to. Conversation doesn’t have to be superficial per se, but outlooks that feel dark or fatalistic might not hold their attention, and will give them a reason to take their eyes and ears elsewhere.
BE (OR SEEM TO BE) TAKEN
Gemini likes to keep it interesting and to many of them that means being (at least slightly) unavailable. Even if it irritates them, making them work to earn your attention away from other potential suitors early on can actually build your bond and their appreciation of your value in the long-run.
BE A LITTLE BIT KINKY
Geminis like creative, interesting sex, especially when the experience feels new to them. They’re curious creatures. Sex as fun, entertainment, or discovery appeals to them the most. š
DON’T BOX THEM IN
Gemini is a mutable sign, meaning they change a lot, or need to go with the flow. This is enhanced because they are also represented by “the twins”, and known for having at least couple versions of themselves. Rather than resisting that, and trying to make them be just one thing, maybe just gather up all their different selves and bring them on a field trip. Allowing them to be a bit of a shapeshifter (and sometimes inconsistent) can actually make them feel more like themselves. Be spontaneous with plans, habits, desires; it will go a long way toward making them happy.
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Of Course the Queer Eye Guys Also Have Some Great Dating Advice
The Queer Eye Fab Five regularly lend their expertise in grooming, food, fashion, design and culture to those in need, but when it comes to love, it’s something we’ve heard a little less of. And given the concept of dating seems to grow cloudier by the minute — especially in our digital age — any advice is welcome advice.
There’s no doubt any one of them would make a great wingman (I mean, imagine), so we only saw it fitting to ask these fine purveyors of taste for their take on common dating questions. Watch the video above for their words of wisdom.
Queer Eye Season 2 launches on Netflix on June 15
Music: AI 2 by Vibe Mountain
All the Single Ladies: 'How do I meet someone without dating apps?'
9Honey journalist and single gal Sarah Swain knows a thing or two about dating. She’s been on the apps, read the books, and interviewed the experts, which makes her uniquely able to answer your questions to do with the frustrations of single life. Got one for her? email sswain@nine.com.au
I’m so sick of dating apps but I feel like I’ve hit a wall in terms of opportunities to meet people. I’ve pretty much exhausted all my ‘friends-of-friends’ and never seem to meet anyone when I go out or in my day to day life. Help!
Wasn’t it exciting when dating apps first came along? We could sit in our onesie on the lounge and peruse men without having to even dry our hair. And, if we were lucky, we even met a few of them for a date. We might have even heard from them again. Shock.
But that was 2015, and this is now. I’m telling you: dating apps are over. There.
There’s just too much catfishing, ghosting, zombie-ing and whatever other sickening modern dating terms you’d like to invent – so it’s no wonder you’re sick of them.
I mean, recently I went on two nice dates with a bloke I met on Bumble, who made plans to take me on a date to a gin distillery the next week, and seemed really keen. And then, poof! I never heard from him again. I expect it was because he was chatting to a bunch of other women on the apps and decided to see what else was out there.
I’m not saying you should delete the apps completely, but give yourself a set amount of time you’re allowed on them – I only let myself swipe on my commute. So you can spend that time saved now you’re not perusing car selfies on something else.
Because just like scrunchies, bum bags and Destiny’s Child, also making a comeback is meeting IRL (in real life). When you say you never meet anyone in your day-to-day life, when was the last time you tried? Like, really tried? Last time you went out, did you ask that cute man at the bar to take a photo of you and your pals?
It’s a great tip that’s worked for me recently. I asked a hot guy to snap myself and my friend, which led to a chat before I gave him my card. He called two days later and he met me after work for a drink. Though he didn’t ask me out again, it was probably for the best as I found out he had five kids with his ex-wife – count ‘em, FIVE.
Also, have you tried anything new recently? Because you need to revamp this day-to-day life of yours a little to put yourself in front of some new men. And I’m not saying ditch your old friends, but find some new ones too. Expanding your social circle will expand your potential-future-husband circle too.
So, ask the new girl at work to go out for a drink, join a paddle boarding club, sign up for a cooking class, volunteer, go to a Meet Up group. I’m currently gearing up to join Park Run, a weekly running club, even though I haven’t run since cross country at school in England in 1992, during which I never failed to come second from last (thanks Katie Pierce for being slower than me… though I bet you’re married now).
Before you know it, you’ll have a bunch of new pals and the possibilities which come with them.
Got a question? Email sswain@nine.com.au
