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ATLANTA'S GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT, DINING, AND A CONTEMPORARY LIFESTYLE
COMPLIMENTARY
OPINIONATED
How to Make
Online Dating Work
Style Talk
Fall Fabulous
PALATE PLEASERS
The Gourmet
Burger Revolution
TALK
OF THE TOWN
Andrews Entertainment
District

SUMMARY
04
The Butt Factor
08
Upscale and Affordable:
Top Used Luxury Cars Under $25,000
10
Entrepreneur, Technician, & the Manager.
Which are you?
14
Andrews Entertainment District
18
One Tank Trips
20
How to Make Online Dating Work
THE A-LIST MAGAZINE 3

LIFESTYLE
Taking turns, bend one leg to a 90-degree angle and
lift toward the ceiling. Be sure to keep your back
straight, no arching! Repeat as often as possible;
switch legs and repeat with the other leg. Note: Add
resistance bands for added tension.
Sumo squat
Just like it sounds but without the 400-pound sumo
wrestler or that revealing thong. Fold your arms out
in front of you like you’re about to begin a Russian
dance. Stand with your feet apart, knees bent in a
90-degree angle pointing over your toes. Lower your
butt toward the ground until your thighs are parallel
to the floor. Lift yourself back up and repeat until it
burns!
Lunge
With your hands on your hips, take one exaggerated
step forward without extending your forward knee
beyond a 90-degree angle. Keep your other leg pointing
backwards for support. Your extended knee should
not go too far forward; make sure you can still
see your toes over the knee of your bent leg. Reverse
lunge back up to the standing position and then lunge
forward again on the same leg as many times as
you can. Repeat with the other leg.
Deep Squat
Lift an empty barbell (or a light barbell depending on
your fitness level) behind your neck and rest it on
your shoulders. Firmly grasp the bar with both
hands and keep it placed on your shoulders. Keep your
back straight and then squat until your thighs are
parallel to floor. The range of motion is not very much
and both feet should remain planted on the floor...
no lifting your heels! Push back up to the starting position
and repeat.
The Butt Factor
► BY REGINA SMITH
Face it, especially if you’re a woman... it’s why you’re reading this article. It’s
why you go to the gym. It’s why you climb the stair machine... never, EVER
reaching the top. It’s why you, jog, lunge, squat, and scream obscenities at the
Instagram models showcasing their assets. It’s why you and your friends
share pics with “squats or shots” captions. It’s why you wish someone would
make a bendable selfie stick so you can stop contorting your body!
It’s the butt, booty, or as Keith Murray poetically coined
it… The Ba-Doon Ka-Doonk! Most women are obsessed
with theirs. The Buns of Steel video workout
didn’t sell 13 million copies because of the acting. So,
how do you get your glutes of steel? Women’s Sports
& Fitness attempted to do just that by enlisting the
„butt” expertise of a professor of exercise biomechanics
at San Diego State University, Peter Francis, Ph.D.
Together, they rated the top 10 exercises to firm, tighten
and shape your buns. Together with a sensible
diet, adequate cardiovascular exercise (to burn fat)
your butt will be eternally grateful.
Single Leg Squat
Seems pretty simple. Like walking a straight line at a
DUI checkpoint. Stand on one foot without locking
your knee. Lift your other leg up and out in front of
you to help maintain your balance. Stick both arms
straight out in front of you shoulder with apart. Once
you’re balanced, slowly bend at the knee and lower
yourself as far as you can towards the floor while
keeping your foot flat on the floor... no lifting your
heel! Slowly return to the starting position and repeat
as many times as you can while maintaining your
balance. Switch legs and repeat for the opposite
leg. Note: don’t do this in public for fear of looking like
a Karate Kid flash back! Note: Use a bench or chair for
added security.
Kickback
No, not with your friends at a bar. Get down on your
hands and knees. Lower your elbows to the floor to
support your upper body weight on your forearms.
WARNING THIS WORKOUT
MAY CAUSE
• Men to follow you around the gym
• Mass purchases of yoga pants
• Shade from random women
• Inspire grocery references
• Excessive mirror selfies
• Outbursts of DAMN!
• Walkaway videos
• Twerk requests
• WCW tags
4 THE A-LIST MAGAZINE THE A-LIST MAGAZINE 5

LIFESTYLE
Step Up
Using a four-to-eight inch high sturdy wooden box,
an aerobic step, a crate or whatever... step up on the
box with one foot and then back down to the floor.
Keep your arms at your sides swinging back and forth.
Bridging
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet
flat on the floor. Your arms should be at your sides
with your palms facing down. Lift your pelvis off the
floor as far high as you can while keeping your back
straight. Your body should form
„a bridge” (hence the name) or
straight line between your bent
knees and your shoulders. Hold
until you feel the burn, return
to floor and repeat.
Leg Press
On a leg press machine, select a weight that is 30
percent of your body weight. With your feet remain
planted and without lifting your heels, push the weight
out being careful not to lock your knees at the
end of the movement. Slowly lower the weight until
your knees form roughly a 90-degree angle and the
slowly press the weight back out. Stop lowering the
weight if you feel your tailbone or lower back lift off
the backrest. Repeat. Rest. And enjoy your great new
butt!
Squat
With your feet hip-width apart,
balance an empty barbell or
weighted barbell either behind
your neck on your shoulders or
in front of you on your chest.
Keep your back straight and
bend at the knees to lower butt
to ground. Stop when your
knees are bent at a 90-degree
angles. Push back up to the
starting position and repeat.
6 THE A-LIST MAGAZINE

Upscale and Affordable:
Top Used Luxury Cars Under $25,000.
► BY JIM GORZELANY
AUTO TALK
price and avoid paying extra for high-profit add-ons
like rustproofing and service contracts. Ask for a title
history search from CarFax or other source to ensure
the vehicle wasn’t been previously flooded or salvaged.
We’d also suggest shopping at a reputable car dealer
to avoid any possible scams reportedly being perpetrated
via spurious sellers on Craig’s List and other
Internet sources.
Still, that’s far less than the national average for
brand new vehicles, which sits at around $33,500 according
to Kelley Blue Book. What’s more, astute bargain
hunters can still find a good quality three-year
old car – and a luxury model no less – for far less than
that. We scoured the NADA Guides used-car pricing
database and came up with 15 of what we consider to
be the best used upscale cars and crossovers estimated
to retail for less than $25,000.
All of the cars we’re highlighting in the accompanying
slideshow (with full pricing information and
commentary) originally sold for as much as $40,000
or more when new, which makes them not only especially
good deals, but a great way for those of modest
means to move on up into the luxury class. And these
aren’t necessarily unwanted clunkers, either. Our list
includes some of the luxury segment’s hottest rides,
including the iconic BMW 3 Series sedan
and other top models from Audi,
Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, Land Rover and
Mercedes-Benz.
drive a late-model luxury
car is to choose
a 2012 Lincoln MKZ
midsize sedan. It might
not be as suave
or sophisticated as
same-size models
It’s tough to find
a bona fide
bargain in the
used-car market
these days. In
the first quarter
of 2015,
Edmunds.com
analysts
reported a 7.1
percent
increase in used
vehicle prices
over the same
period a year
earlier, to a
record average
high of $18,088
per unit.
from the troika of European brands, but neither is it
as costly to purchase and own. It’s roomy, comfortable
and quiet, packs a V6 engine and includes myriad
features, all for around $18,000 for a base model on a
dealer’s lot.
The aforementioned 3 Series is certainly the sportiest
2012 model among our upscale bargains, followed
closely by the Audi A3 hatchback and A4 sedan,
BMW’s 128i coupe and the Mercedes-Benz 250 Sport
Sedan. Those looking for added interior space can
choose the Cadillac CTS sedan or wagon, the Lincoln
MKS or the Infiniti G37 sedan. Three-year-old luxury
crossovers can likewise be found for less than $25K
and include the Cadillac SRX, Infiniti EX35 and the
Land Rover LR2. Those looking for a “greener” luxury
car can choose either the Lexus CT 200h or HS 250h
gas/electric-powered hybrids.
Being all from the 2012 model year, most you’ll find in
the pre-owned market are coming off leases, and
thus should have reasonable mileage on the odometer
and be in tip-top shape. Most should come with at
least a year left on the original warranty, and you’ll
likely find many of these offered as “certified”
pre-owned vehicles via the used-vehicle departments
of new-car dealers, reconditioned to exacting
standards and sold with an extended warranty
(check auto dealers’ websites for current inventory
and details).
As with any automotive transaction, be sure to negotiate
with a salesperson to obtain the lowest possible
The fine print: All of our top used luxury-car picks are
from the 2012 model year, and are assumed to be in
excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition with
around 45,000 miles on the odometer. Each is estimated
to be offered at the stated price for base models
and configurations, as estimated by NADA Guides;
this is the amount a dealer will ask for a given model,
though negotiated prices will likely be lower. Note
that used car values tend to vary by region and according
to mileage, features and vehicle condition. Check
NADA Guides or other online pricing source for
current prices on given models/configurations in your
general vicinity.
“Used retail prices are at least $6,000 to
$25,000 below the new price for 2012
or newer vehicles,” says Jonathan Banks,
executive analyst at NADA Used Car
Guide. “That’s a lot of savings for consumers
who happen to be on non-luxury
car budgets.”
To be sure, the most affordable way to
8 THE A-LIST MAGAZINE

BUSINESS SENSE
Entrepreneur,
Technician,
& the Manager.
Which
are you?
► BY KEN ADAMS
I’m the Owner! It’s a declaration that
millions of working men and women
would love to proclaim. Owning your
own business is a great
accomplishment! It’s a testament to
your drive, faith, and any superlative
that acknowledges your stones! Let’s
be honest, you can have a rock solid
business plan, millions in financial
backing, and a team of workers
educated by MIT. However, without
the guts to pull the trigger, it means
absolutely jack shit!
Unfortunately, the trigger man is generally not the
most qualified person to make command decisions.
He’s the risk taker! The Alpha-Male! The fifth generation
West Point grad that charges into battle with a
dull sword and no plan of attack. He is most often
followed by a battalion of loyal grunts motivated by
his Hollywood swagger, unshakable confidence, and
speeches that would motivate Tony Robbins! For the
sake of this article, we will call him the Entrepreneur.
He has the best of intentions, great ideas, and wants
nothing more than to conquer his foes. His Achilles
heel is the inability to view the entire battlefield. He
becomes so enamored with the possibility of a victory;
he routinely fails to seek the counsel of the
battlefield commander, commonly referred to as the
Manager. (Spoiler alert…they all die!)
The Manager desires the same successful outcome as
the Entrepreneur. The difference between the two is
their approach to battle. The manager’s approach has
a pragmatic approach which is inherently too slow for
the Entrepreneurs fiery demeanor. The Manager
wants to survey the battlefield’s topography, evaluate
the health and conditions of his troops, and most importantly,
he meticulously studies the actions of their
advisories. Only when all of data has been thoroughly
analyzed will a plan of attack be devised. All of this takes
time and effort, but ultimately it saves lives and
resources. The manager will discuss battlefield strategies
with a trusted technical advisor, generally the
Technician.
The Technician is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and
competent in their duties. Geo-political rants from
their adversaries, battlefield embellishments of their
peers, and non-mission related chatter is none of their
concern. The Technician’s sole desire is to simply be
left alone and allowed to do their job. The real strength
of the Technician lies in their ability to provide
strategic analysis from a workers point of view. They
thrive on knowing every facet of their craft and
they’re a great resource to aid in the development of
new recruits. The Technician and the Manager make a
formidable duo and complement each other well;
mainly because most Managers are former Technicians.
They both admire the Entrepreneurs confidence,
determination, and propensity to thrive in the face of
overwhelming stress and adversity. When the three
(Entrepreneur, Manager, and Technician) collectively
discuss the opportunity, strategy, and plan the attack,
they’re virtually unstoppable.
While the set-up of our three professionals is based in
satire. The temperament of each personality is very
real. It’s vital to self-evaluate your abilities before you
start a new business. You must ascertain your strengths,
weaknesses, and areas that you need improvement.
Determine who really are! The Entrepreneur?
The Manager? Or the Technician? Being a business
owner does not necessarily mean that you have to be
10 THE A-LIST MAGAZINE THE A-LIST MAGAZINE 11

BUSINESS LIFESTYLESENSE
the recognized boss! Let me explain. Imagine that you
have a green thumb that rivals Mother Nature. You’re
constantly reviving the neighbor’s half dead plants,
giving tips on crab grass, and even pruning bonsai
trees (damn you Mr. Miyagi). This happens so frequently,
you decide to trade the well-wishes and thanks
for cold hard cash! There’s only one problem, you
don’t know the first thing about running a business!
You simply want to play in the dirt and make money
doing it. What do you do? Well, you could hire a manager.
They don’t have to know crab grass from a crab
apple; they only need to possess the ability to properly
manage the day-to-day operations of your business.
But, what about the Entrepreneur?
In this scenario, the
Entrepreneur played their role
and exited stage left before
they became a nuisance. Their
role was simply to plant the seed
- pun intended.
Smith, who tries to pay you in stale oatmeal cookies.
Or, deal with the couple whose prized rose bush died
after incorrectly using your famous super growth
elixir. On second thought you might need a lawyer
for that. But, hey the manager can assist with finding
a good one! A manager allows you choose the
battles you want to fight and assist with those you
don’t.
In this scenario, you’re the Technician and there is absolutely
nothing wrong with that!
Remember, not everyone is meant to be the Boss (Manager).
But, you can still be the Owner!
However, simply hiring a manger
does not let you off the hook!
You still must be VERY involved
with the management
of your business. It is yours after
all… A manager is there to
ASSIST you with the management
of YOUR business, not run
it for you. They’re perfect for
things, such as, demanding
payment from sweet little Mrs.
12 THE A-LIST MAGAZINE

Andrews
Entertainment
District
TALK OF THE TOWN
The Andrews Entertainment District is one of the most eclectic
destinations for dining and entertainment in the city! Whatever your
palette can imagine can be found in one of the nine bars and
restaurants, each with their own unique atmosphere. Many of the
venues do not have a cover charge, which is great for those with an
entertainment budget. The parking is adequate and reasonably priced,
but do yourself a favor and use the valet service on busy nights; it’s
complimentary most nights anyway. We observed numerous patrons
arriving and departing via Uber and/or Lyft. Which is a safe and logical
decision, considering the vast array of upscale watering holes.
Andrews Upstairs is known for its music scene, and
the whole complex has a reputation for being the
best place to meet singles in the city. Between the live
music, comedy and selection of bars, everyone can
find something to tickle their fancy at Andrews.
14 THE A-LIST MAGAZINE
STOUT
An Irish Sport’s pup with a laid back neighborhood
bar vibe. Well, that’s if you live in one of the most
affluent zip codes in the city. The Pub showcases an
extensive selection of taps and craft beers, featuring
local, regional, and well-known European brands.
The menu is phenomenal and stays true to the Pubs
Irish ancestry, with a few exceptions, which is expected
in an Irish Sports Pub located in the South! Stout is
a great place for happy-hour, catching the big game, or
just about any other reason you can imagine!
Prohibition
You don’t need a mad scientist or a flux capacitor to
experience a 1920’s speak easy tavern.
You will however need a secret
password to enjoy the liquid
libations of Prohibition. Don’t
worry, everyone gets in. Upon entering
you are captivated by the
period correct décor and old world
ambiance! For those who can’t let
go of their 21st century vices, there
is a boob-tube. The variety and
quality of drinks is nothing short of amazing! For the
cigar aficionados you will have no problem finding a
quality stogie to puff on. If you’re into themed style
bars, this will become one of your favorite haunts.
Just look for the red telephone booth!
Czar Ice Bar
With an acclaimed vodka selection exceeding 300 and
a world renowned Sushi Chef, it’s no wonder why Czar
is a favorite with its A-list clientele. The posh, yet
very comfortable Russian décor exudes decadence
and over the indulgence. Which is exactly what you
would expect from a Czar! However, even the most
affluent Czar doesn’t have a 27 foot solid ice bar top
chilling their favorite drink or caviar to perfection.
Czar also features Chef Saito, a world renowned Sushi
Chef, who creates delicious masterpieces that will
please the most discerning palette. Czar, is a great
choice for groups, couples, and solo acts!
Cellar 56
A vast array of Spectator-rated 90+ wines gives Cellar
56 the distinction of being one of Atlanta’s top rated
wine bars. The tapas style men features mouthwatering
dishes that are great for sharing! If you’re looking
for a dish to overload your taste buds, you must try
the cayenne sweat potatoes. You can thank us later!
The quaint environment is a great backdrop for virtually
any occasion, even corporate functions. Our only
complaint is that it’s not open every day!
Stillhouse
What do you get by combining Albert Einstein, a Moonshine
Still, and a Gourmet Chef? You get the Still
THE A-LIST MAGAZINE 15

TALK OF THE TOWN
house! A lively bar/restaurant with a diverse menu,
great drink selection, and a very attentive staff! If you
thought moonshine was only reserved for mansion
jars you’re wrong. The geniuses at Stillhouse have
paired the highly potent beverage with some unlikely,
albeit tasty, partners to create cocktails and
meals that will have your taste buds in heaven! The
delicious menu is safe for all to consume, even those
who aren’t of legal drinking age. Now, when it comes
to the drink selections you will want to have Uber at
the ready! The mixologist at Stillhouse have created
masterpieces that taste excellent. This is great is a
great first of last destination on your bar crawl!
East Andrews
East Andrew’s is known for being one of the best
spots for singles in the city! The gastro style pub is a
great meeting spot for professionals looking to
unwind. The outside patio is a great area to chat with
new acquaintances, crowd watch, and enjoy appetizers
from the menu. The bartenders are the rock stars
here! They serve drinks at insane pace all while keeping
a smile on their face! The musical selection ranges
from Hozier to Jay Z! It’s a party and you’re invited!
The Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre
You can catch many of the hottest comedians gracing
the stage at the Improv Comedy Club. Virtually every
comedic heavyweight, such as, Martin Lawrence,
Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, etc. honed their comedic
chops on Improv stages. The Improv is very reasonable
priced and features a well thought out menu featuring
sushi, prepared by culinary genius, Master
Chef Saito! The Krispy-Kreme is a must! There is a
two drink minimum, but who’s ever just ordered one
drink while enjoying a great show. This is most definitely
a first date option, just make sure you can handle
some good natured “ribbing” from the featured comedians!
Burn Social Club
The newest addition to the district is quickly gaining
rave reviews! Like many of its neighbors, Burn has its
own unique atmosphere. The interior is sophisticated
and sexy, yet inviting for professionals of all ages.
The drink selections and tapas menus were masterfully
crafted by the experts at Prohibition and Czar.
An extensive martini selection and a plethora of rare
bourbons, scotches, and whiskies are accompanied by
a high-end, yet limited wine selection. You can enjoy
your beverage or tapas at an intimate cocktail table or
on one of the spacious leather sofas. It’s a great spot
for a first date, just make sure you bring your big boy
wallet.
16 THE A-LIST MAGAZINE

TRIPS
One Tank Trips
► KRISTINE HANCHAR
4 hrs 20 mins / 265.01 miles/75 South to
Macon—I-16 East to the beach
Tybee Island is the closest beach to Atlanta. Paula
Deens family beach cottage is now for rent. Check out
mermaidcottages.com for her home and many more
cute cottages. No high-rises here, just old cottages,
low-rise hotels/condos and a long pier anchored by a
large pavilion to take a break from the sun. The beach
around the pier can get crowded in-season. For less
crowded beaches, head to the north end of the island
at Fort Screven or Tybee’s breezy southern tip where
the ocean meets the inlet to Tybee Creek.
4 hrs 30 mins / 266.31 miles/I-85 from Atlanta—
to--Charlotte
Great Wolf Lodge is a year round indoor water park
just north of Charlotte in Concord, NC. Themed suites
offer the perfect lodge room for kids and adults alike.
For a romantic getaway without the kids consider the
whirlpool suite. A large Jacuzzi tub in the middle of the
room in each of these suites. For the kids pick a themed
suite with bunk beds. Great Wolf Lodge also
boasts a spa for a girl’s weekend. It has something for
everyone. You’ll get an 84 degree climate controlled
environment year round. Perfect for frolicking in and
out of the water. Three swimming pools and twelve
water slides offer a variety of entertainment.
Staycations are a popular way to unwind and stay in Atlanta but you can
also have a one hour-to-four hour drive to a mini vacation for the weekend.
Here are some good ideas for you.
37 mins / 27.39 miles/I-85 North
from Atlanta
For your staycation or daily vacation
consider JeJu Spa a traditional
Korean day spa. For only $25.00
entrance fee you can spend the
day in a relaxing jetted spa, a dry
sauna, swimming and most of all
experiencing tranquility. Located
near Gwinnett Place Mall just a
short drive north of Atlanta. Hot
tea is available and an authentic
Korean restaurant is attached to
the spa.
Atlanta has something for everyone. From great art museums and galleries
to close proximity to beaches and mountains. Lakes are everywhere as well
as many cultural events and festivals happening year round. Come out and
enjoy the weekend.
54 mins / 49.29 miles/I-85 North
from Atlanta
The spa at Chateau Elan in Brasselton,
Georgia is just a short trip up I-85
from Atlanta. Escape the stresses of
Atlanta traffic in one hour. Golf, tennis,
bike, and fitness are here for you.
Enjoy the winery, culinary studio and
restaurants if you are a foodie. Epicurean
packages and Spa packages are
available. Wine tasting and wine making
packages are also available
throughout the year.
18 THE A-LIST MAGAZINE

How to Make Online
Dating Work
► BY AZIZ ANSARI AND ERIC KLINENBERG
WE turn to screens for
nearly every decision.
Where to eat. Where to
vacation. Where to eat
on vacation. Where to
get treatment for the
food poisoning you got
at that restaurant where
you ate on vacation.
Where to write a negative
review calling out the
restaurant that gave you
food poisoning and
ruined your vacation. So
it’s no surprise our
screens are becoming
the first place we turn to
when looking for
romance — because you
need someone to take
care of you when you
get food poisoning on
your vacation, right?
OPINIONATED
TOO MUCH FILTERING The Internet offers a seemingly
endless supply of people who are single and looking to
date, as well as tools to filter and find exactly what
you’re looking for. You can specify height, education, location
and basically anything else. Are you trying to
find a guy whose favorite book is “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”
and whose favorite sport is lacrosse? You’re just a few
clicks away from this dream dude.
But we are horrible at knowing what we want. Scientists
working with Match.com found that the kind of partner
people said they wanted often didn’t match up with
what they were actually interested in. People filter too
much; they’d be better off vetting dates in person.
“Online dating is just a vehicle to meet more people,”
says the author and dating consultant Laurie Davis. “It’s
not the place to actually date.” The anthropologist Helen
Fisher, who does work for Match.com, makes a similar
argument: “It’s a misnomer that they call these things
‘dating services,’ ” she told us. “They should be called
‘introducing services.’ They enable you to go out and go
and meet the person yourself.”
What about those search algorithms? When researchers
analyzed characteristics of couples who’d met on
OkCupid, they discovered that one-third had matching
answers on three surprisingly important questions: “Do
you like horror movies?” “Have you ever traveled around
another country alone?” and “Wouldn’t it be fun to
chuck it all and go live on a sailboat?” OkCupid believes
that answers to these questions may have some predictive
value, presumably because they touch on deep,
personal issues that matter to people more than they
realize.
But what works well for predicting good first dates doesn’t
tell us much about the long-term success of a couple.
A recent study led by the Northwestern psychologist
Eli J. Finkel argues that no mathematical algorithm
can predict whether two people will make a good couple.
One of the most amazing social changes is the rise of
online dating and the decline of other ways of meeting
a romantic partner. In 1940, 24 percent of heterosexual
romantic couples in the United States met through family,
21 percent through friends, 21 percent through
school, 13 percent through neighbors, 13 percent
through church, 12 percent at a bar or restaurant and
10 percent through co-workers. (Some categories overlapped.)
By 2009, half of all straight couples still met through
friends or at a bar or restaurant, but 22 percent met online,
and all other sources had shrunk. Remarkably, almost
70 percent of gay and lesbian couples met online,
according to the Stanford sociologist Michael J. Rosenfeld,
who compiled this data.
And Internet dating isn’t just about casual hookups. According
to the University of Chicago psychologist John
T. Cacioppo, more than one-third of couples who
married in the United States from 2005 to 2012 met
online.
Online dating generates a spectrum of reactions: exhilaration,
fatigue, inspiration, fury. Many singles compare
it to a second job, more duty than flirtation; the word
“exhausting” came up constantly. These days, we seem
to have unlimited options. And we marry later or, increasingly,
not at all. The typical American spends more
of her life single than married, which means she’s likely
to invest ever more time searching for romance online.
Is there a way to do it more effectively, with less stress?
The evidence from our two years of study, which included
interviews around the world, from Tokyo to Wichita,
Kan., says yes.
20 THE A-LIST MAGAZINE

OPINIONATED
PICTURE PERFECT People put a
huge amount of time into writing
the perfect profile, but does all
that effort pay off?
OkCupid started an app called
Crazy Blind Date. It offered the
minimal information people needed
to have an in-person meeting.
No lengthy profile, no backand-forth
chat, just a blurred
photo. Afterward, users were asked
to rate their satisfaction with
the experience.
The responses were compared
with data from the same users’
activity on OkCupid. As Christian
Rudder, an OkCupid co-founder, tells it, women who
were rated very attractive were unlikely to respond to
men rated less attractive. But when they were matched
on Crazy Blind Date, they had a good time. As Mr. Rudder
puts it, “people appear to be heavily preselecting
online for something that, once they sit down in person,
doesn’t seem important to them.”
Some of what we learned about effective photos on
OkCupid was predictable: Women who flirt for the camera
or show cleavage are quite successful. Some of
what we learned was pretty weird: Men who look away
and don’t smile do better than those who do; women
holding animals don’t do well, but men holding animals
do. Men did better when shown engaging in an interesting
activity.
We recommend the following: If you are a woman, take
a high-angle selfie, with cleavage, while you’re underwater
near some buried treasure. If you are a guy,
take a shot of yourself spelunking in a dark cave while
holding your puppy and looking away from the camera,
without smiling.
TOO MANY OPTIONS As research by Barry Schwartz
and other psychologists has shown, having more options
not only makes it harder to choose something, but
also may make us less satisfied with our choices, because
we can’t help wonder whether we erred.
Consider a study by the Columbia University psychologist
Sheena S. Iyengar. She set up a table at an upscale
food store and offered shoppers samples of jams. Sometimes,
the researchers offered six types of jam, but
other times they offered 24. When they offered 24, people
were more likely to stop in and have a taste, but
they were almost 10 times less likely to actually buy
jam than people who had just six kinds to try.
See what’s happening? There’s too much jam out there.
If you’re on a date with a certain jam, you can’t even focus
because as soon as you go to the bathroom, three
other jams have texted you. You go online, you see more
jam.
One way to avoid this problem is to give each jam a fair
chance. Remember: Although we are initially attracted
to people by their physical appearance and traits we
can quickly recognize, the things that make us fall for
someone are their deeper, more personal qualities, which
come out only during sustained interactions. Psychologists
like Robert B. Zajonc have established the
“mere exposure effect”: Repeated exposure to a stimulus
tends to enhance one’s feelings toward it.
22 THE A-LIST MAGAZINE