Nastashia, 27

So what do you do to make a living?
I'm an ophthalmic technician and I'm a medical assistant.

I'm guessing you don't use your title to get dates.
Oh my God, that would be corny. And it's not that special.

So how often do you meet potential dates when you go out?
I really don't go out to meet people. I just go to hang out with my besties and just have a good time. I don't want to meet someone at the club. I don't mind meeting them to have a good time and to have fun, you know — see you later, thanks for the dance.

Yeah, I don't think too many relationships work when you meet while drunk and grinding on each other.
Mine lasted, like, two years out of the club and that was it.

So when was the last relationship that you were in?
It was three months ago, actually. We were together for four months. We were really good friends. I've known him for eight years. We reconnected because I hadn't seen him for a period of time. He asked me on a date, and I said yes, and then we just started dating. He always had me laughing.

So what happened?
I found out that he was still married and wasn't very honest. Eventually, he just didn't treat me very well. I'm a very open person with a big heart and I just like to help people. It just wasn't the right thing. I've learned from past experiences to just get out early. I lost a good friend and what I thought was a good boyfriend.

What would you say is your type?
My type... well, I do like white guys.

Well, it's the Pacific Northwest. There's no shortage.
Yeah, definitely. As long as they have a good time and like to be spontaneous once in a while, not so predictable, I'm good. Extreme-sports kind of guys, athletic types. I do like the pretty boys, but I don't want them taking more time to get ready than I do.

Do you think that dating has been hard for you?
I just think it gets harder because I haven't had the greatest relationships. People tell you that they're ready, but they're really not. They tell you what they think you want to hear to make you happy. It's tough, because then you're always questioning whether they're being honest, you know? I still try to stay optimistic. I'm not old so I still have time. And I do have a daughter, but that usually doesn't affect anything since I'm an independent career person.

One of the common themes that I've run into, especially with guys, is that open relationships are ideal for them. Do you have any open-relationship experience?
No, I've never been in one, because I'm selfish and I'd rather it just be me and that person. To me, it's like, if that's what you want, why are you even in a relationship? I'm not the most conventional, traditional person, but I am about certain things, and I think a relationship should be between two people, and not, "Hey, I'm going to hang out with that person, but then I come home to this person."

Do you have any crazy exes?
I was with a guy before my last ex. We're still really good friends, but I think he's kind of crazy. But it's just because he likes the Backstreet Boys. He went on a cruise by himself to go see the Backstreet Boys.

So what are you looking for right now?
I would love to have something stable in my life. I've been through a lot of heartache. I want to build on something. I still have hope. I just met someone. It's a long-distance thing, but I'm like, "Screw it." I've already been through the worst of the worst. I'm just going to take a risk for the first time and see what happens. You never know.

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