How the laid-off get laid

Chloé H., 28; unemployed journalist; Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

“You have to realize that you’re attracted to a person because there is something in them that reminds you of yourself. And even though you’re unemployed, you don’t want to project hopelessness, because you’ll get that in return. I don’t want to project ‘woe is me’ and then get a dude with erectile dysfunction. You have to exude confidence.”
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Tyler A., 29; former Bear Stearns employee; Greenpoint, Brooklyn

“I’ve been asked, ‘What do you do?’ And there are times when I say the word ‘unemployed’ and things go down the crapper. Maybe next time, I should say ‘Whoops, did I say “unemployed”? What I really meant to say is that I’m a professional puppy killer.’ That should keep the conversation interesting.”
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Martha B., 29; former fine-dining server; Boerum Hill, Brooklyn

“Working at the restaurant limited the amount of time I saw friends. Before, we’d just go to whatever bar was closest after work. Now I can go on blind drink dates at normal happy hours rather than asking people to meet at 11:30pm, which sounds like a booty call.”
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Lisa F., 23; unemployed architect; Forest Hills, Queens

“I want to meet as many great people as this city can offer, and whether that means going on dates to lavish restaurants—with someone who’s willing to pick up the tab, of course—or flying under the radar on dates costing less than 20 bucks, I’m ready and willing to get out there and try.”
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Stefani B., 29; former ad-sales rep; West Village

“I’ve been an on-again, off-again online dater in the past, until way too many friends met rock-solid partners that way. So this last go-around, I prepaid for a couple months—this was when I actually had a job. And now I have more time than ever to online date—and date in general.”
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Frank H., 26; former purchasing agent for New Line Cinema; Greenpoint, Brooklyn

“I’ve avoided dating because of my unemployment. Before, I would ask any girl out, but now I have to consider if I can even afford it.”
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