Zek, 24

Where are you from?
Serbia.

How long have you been in D.C.?
Five months.

What are D.C. women like?
People here in general are more open-minded. And more loose about sex.

Sebian women are more conservative?
Way more conservative. A Serbian woman has to date a while before she gives herself. There are a lot of things that separate your culture from mine. If I can speak honestly, here, people see everything through money. So basically the foundation of a relationship is material.

In Serbia it's more romantic?
Oh yeah. And we mate for a lifetime. We're not changing our partners like socks. That's something people do here that I don't like. The thing I like here is you seem to care about each other. Maybe it's fake but everyday, in the streets, even if you had a bad day, you're trying to be pleasant.

Does your accent attract women?
Yeah, I think. But I don't like my accent. I don't have self-confidence when it comes to speaking.

I think your English is excellent. So you want a relationship and not a one-night stand?
I've never done that. Never in my life.

Have women here tried to convince you otherwise?
They try. But they fail. I'm searching for a connection. I don't want to sound like I have a high opinion of myself...

And no American woman has managed to snare you? You're still single?
Yes. Can I put in one rude word?

Absolutely.
If you screw your whole life, what else will you screw in your life? If this part of your life does not satisfy you, then...? Freud said something about sex, like that power, that energy is a driving force. I'll say I think it's not sex, it's love. That's our power. Like Einstein or Tesla, they were lacking something — it was not sex, it was love.

 

Emily, 21

Where are you from?
I'm from Boston. My boyfriend and I are here visiting friends. He was out all night. And that happened a few times in college — getting drunk, and passing out at his frat house, which was fine — but now it's sort of like, "Grow up."

Do you two fight often?
No, this is the most he's ever messed up. I wasn't even that mad, just worried. I would never think he'd cheat on me. I was worried he was murdered or passed out on the metro.

How long have you been together?
Two years.

Do you live together in Boston?
No, we don't live together yet. I just graduated so I'm living at home now to save up some money. He just got an apartment, and I feel like when I move into the city I'll want to move in with him instead of getting our own places. I think that freaks him out a little bit, but it wouldn't be until next year.

How does he compare to boyfriends in the past?
Well, my ex-boyfriend is a WWE wrestler now. My new boyfriend's really smart, really well-rounded. He can go into any room and be confident, and that's one of the things that attracted me to him. I like that I can bring him to my house for the weekend and my parents are happy that he's there.

Your old type was "bad boy?"
Oh yeah, tattoos, criminal records. So this is a big step up and I'm glad.

What's the most romantic thing he's ever done?
Last year he surprised me with this gorgeous coat I really wanted. It's a princess coat. It's awesome. He always takes me out to nice dinners. And we've traveled a lot together. We've gone to Bermuda twice.

Did you have sex on the beach?
No, I have no interest in doing that! It seems so uncomfortable.

 

Sam, 23

What do you do for work?
I'm a server at a grill. And a part-time student in Williamsburg.

Do you ever get hit on at work?
Oh yeah, but it's mostly older ladies. I'll flirt back because, you know, you work for your tip.

Are they creepy?
No, it's sort of kindergarten stuff like, "Oh, look at those dimples. You have the finest hair I've ever seen."

What do you look for in a potential girlfriend?
Honesty, empathy, and humor.

How are the ladies in Williamsburg?
Having William and Mary College nearby definitely helps.

Do you have any wild college stories?
There was one drunken toga-fest. It was complete debauchery.

Do you wear underwear under a toga?
Me? No, I wouldn't. That's part of the honesty thing.

Do you have any tips for getting a woman's attention?
Not giving a fuck. It's really easy. People seem to make it a big ordeal, and it's really not. I don't get nervous too often. Maybe I'm in denial.

Interviews by Monica Shores.