July 24, 2008
Derek, 28
www.rippestuff.com
What's the best reason to date a graphic designer?
We make the best valentines.
What has graphic design taught you about dating?
That dating would be a lot easier with EDIT > UNDO.
My boyfriend and I just broke up, and he has some nude photos we took of each other. How can I get them back?
Let's face it: you're never going to get them back. Naked photos of an ex are priceless, though I suppose it never hurts to ask nicely. If you're still concerned about them ruining any future political endeavors, blame Photoshop.
I'm nervous that if I introduce my girlfriend to my college buddies, she'll be scared off by stories from my wilder days. How do I avoid that but still let her meet my friends?
Have a little faith. Your college buddies aren't out to jeopardize your relationship, and your girlfriend isn't going to split at the first tale of debauchery. Besides, it never hurts to hear a reminder of how wild your significant other really is — unless we're talking "bestiality with the rival mascot at homecoming" kind of stuff.
I've been flirting with the waitress at my favorite restaurant for weeks, and I think she's flirting back. Should I make a move, or is it wrong to hit on her at her job?
Make that move. She's a waitress, not head of Accounts Receivable. The worst that can happen is you find out she's only been flirting for tips.
I'm moving cross-country in two months. If I'm looking for a long-term relationship, is it worth it to keep dating in this city before then, or should I suck it up and wait?
Who looks for a long-term relationship two months before they make a life-changing move? Change your location on MySpace now. That way, when you get there, you already have a hoard of other desperate people waiting for you.
How can I share my porn collection with my girlfriend?
The question is why do you want to share your porn with your girlfriend? It's like introducing your mistress to your wife. If you must, I suggest testing the waters — start at the most vanilla and gradually work your way up to the snuff.
Kate, 29
www.katehollowaydesign.com
I get the feeling my boyfriend's roommate hates me — I can feel the temperature drop when I come in. What should I do to fix the problem?
How much time are you spending on their couch? Using their shower? Cooking in their kitchen? He might not hate you, but he might want you to start coughing up some rent.
My boyfriend wants to have sex outside, but I think it's too risky. What's a way for us to compromise?
Use the fire escape. The window provides a quick exit when the neighbors start turning their lights on.
How can I incorporate graphic design into my sex life?
Two words: patterned sheets.
My boyfriend and I just broke up, and he has some nude photos we took of each other. How can I get them back?
Offer to retouch them. Tell him you know a good graphic designer, but you need the native files.
I'm nervous that if I introduce my girlfriend to my college buddies, she'll be scared off by stories from my wilder days. How do I avoid that but still let her meet my friends?
Have you met her college ladies? Who's to say she doesn't have some wild stories of her own? Don't avoid the inevitable — go all out, bring the boys over for some beer pong and make sure they don't hold back. Create a new wild story! If she can hang, it's kismet.
What's the best reason to date a graphic designer?
All your mix tapes come in custom packaging.
Chris, 23
My boyfriend and I just broke up, and he has some nude photos we took of each other. How can I get them back?
Send him an email pleading with him to give them back to you, and add an attachment with a virus that destroys his hard drive.
My partner wants me to dominate him during sex, but I'm a bit timid. What's the best way to psych myself up?
Go to the roughest part of town, look for a stranger and strike up a conversation. Get your adrenaline going, then run right back to your house.
Why should I date a graphic designer?
We'll help you look your best.
What has graphic design taught you about dating?
Don't judge a person by their logo.
My boyfriend wants to have sex outside, but I think it's too risky. What's a good compromise?
Build an igloo.
Ana, 22
How can I incorporate graphic design into my sex life?
Graphic design and porn both happen on the computer. Just alternate windows.
I've been flirting with the waitress at my favorite restaurant for weeks, and I think she's flirting back. Should I make a move, or is it wrong to hit on her at her job?
No! Make a move — fortune favors the bold. I mean, she's not going to ask you for your number when she's waiting your table.
I get the feeling that my boyfriend's roommate hates me — I can feel the temperature drop when I come in. What should I do to fix the problem?
Do something unarguably nice, like baking cookies or helping clean. Or buy the apartment a video game — video games buy my love. I've had such success with video games, it's ridiculous.
How can I share my porn collection with my girlfriend?
"Oh, I must have left this in the DVD player! But don't you like it just a little bit?" I think chicks need to be less uptight about porn. Just go for it.
What's the best way to pick up a graphic designer?
"Hey baby, I like your Bˇzier curves." n°
Interviews by James Brady Ryan. Dating Advice From... appears on Thursdays. Have questions for the general public? Send them to .