Gather The Boys For A Bro Bonding Outing At OCBC Cycle 2018
Nothing beats spending quality time with the broskis.
With busy work schedules, however, finding time to bond with the bros gets increasingly more difficult.
Enter the OCBC Cycle.
Returning earlier this year in May, Singapore’s largest cycling fiesta is the perfect annual bro bonding activity for you and the boys.
With closed roads stretching across scenic locations, you and your buddies can be kings of the street without worrying about other vehicles on the roads.
You don’t even need to be a professional cyclist as non-competitive categories such as The Straits Times Ride (23km) – fully sold out, sadly – and The Sportive Ride (42km) means you can just leisurely glide along while taking in the city sights.
The best part of all: you’re keeping fit and staying healthy with your best buds. The bro bonding doesn’t just start and end at the event alone. With the event happening soon, you now have the perfect excuse to gather the boys and train together.
If not owning a bike is the big reason stopping you, good news: OCBC has also announced a new partnership with bike-sharing company Mobike to provide 2,000 Mobikes for participants, completely free-of-charge. In addition, participants will receive a complimentary 2018 pass for Mobike rides nationwide until December 21, 2018 – which means you and your bros can ride EVERYDAY – for free!
Also included in the OCBC Cycle event pack, worth over $200, is an OCBC Cycle Jersey or tee-shirt, an OCBC Cycle shoe bag, complimentary personal accident insurance from Great Eastern, a NETS FlashPay card and shopping vouchers from Robinsons, Polar, Timbuk2.
While The Straits Times Ride has sold out, registration is still open for The Sportive Ride at $99. Payment via OCBC credit and debit cards can get you an additional 10% off the registration fees. You can sign up on OCBC Cycle’s website before April 16.
This article was brought to you by OCBC Cycle 2018.
5 Things To Know Before Getting A Tattoo
This article originally appeared on
Whether you’re getting inked for the first time or looking to add to your collection, here are some things to consider.
1. Don’t Be A Follower
You know the drill. A celebrity shows off some new body art on Instagram, or you come across trending artwork on Pinterest.
Your first reaction is to picture how it would look on you. You float the idea to friends and scope out local tattoo parlours to turn your hour-long dream into reality. Before you know it, you’re sporting The Rock’s Polynesian masterpiece or Katy Perry’s Sanskrit etching.
Having inked Pamela Anderson’s barb wire symbol (which she has since removed) on countless clients’ biceps, Vernon suggests picking a design that is beyond skin-deep.
“Don’t go for passing trends and what’s trending online,” he said. “Youngsters seem to be influenced by what others have, or what they can get for likes, rather than something more personal and meaningful.”
You don’t need to start from scratch either. Approach an artist with references of imagery that caught your eye. Then, work with them to personalize and expand on your (hopefully) indelible mark.
Even with increasingly-common symbols such as the infinity sign and feathers, a good artist will find ways to make it special for you.
2. Wait Till You Put A Ring On It
What better way to show your love for someone than to literally leave their mark on you? It makes for a great profile pic, but it could come back to haunt you.
Vernon shared the example of a teenage customer who inked her boyfriend’s portrait on her lower back. When they broke up several months later, she had it covered up (camouflaging a previous tattoo with a new one) and got her next beau’s name splashed across her arm. Two boyfriends, two accompanying tattoos and thousands of dollars later, her body was a canvas of poor decisions.
There are better ways to express your affection for bae, with imagery that will stand the test of time and changes in relationship status.
“Couples can put matching tattoos like robots or artwork symbolizing their pet names for each other, without the need for real names or faces,” Vernon noted.
Think before you ink. The process of laser removal is typically more expensive (and painful) than the actual tattoo – and could leave scarring. Lighter colours, like white and yellow, are also harder to remove.
3. Don’t Be Cheap
Have a realistic budget in mind. For a lifetime investment, it’s best not to be thrifty.
The Rock’s iconic chest tattoo, for example, will set you back around $3,000. Sure, you could find parlours offering to do it for a fraction of the price, but the discounted deal could include shoddy work and infections.
Research your shortlisted studios beforehand, and seek recommendations from friends and relevant forums. Ask the right questions so you don’t make the wrong decision.
Beyond a studio’s Instagram feed, go down to get a feel of its setup and check for certifications. Bloodborne pathogens training is mandatory for tattoo artists in the US, but not in Singapore. Still, some local artists have enrolled for such courses to better protect themselves – and customers – from Hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis and other bacteria and viruses carried in the blood.
Once you’re good to go, ensure the artist opens the needle package in your presence, uses a new, disposable ink cup, and wears clean gloves.
4. No Pain, No Stain
Respect your body and don’t push its limits. For your first tattoo, it’s best to avoid sensitive areas such as elbows, back of knees and ribs.
While pain tolerance varies for each person, tattoos directly over bones generally tend to hurt the most.
Rushing the process won’t help either. Larger designs, especially colourful ones, can take multiple sessions to complete, while an entire sleeve may require months to finish.
“On average, a person can sit through four to six hours before swelling begins and their pain threshold falls,” Vernon said. “Spread it out over a few sessions so your body gets used to the process and the artist has time to do a good job.”
You should also test yourself for allergies to silver, gold, coloured pigments, and even your own sweat. If you’re prone to scarring, a tattoo may not be the only mark on your body, as keloids could form.
5. Finding The T-Spot
Location, location, location. It’s no different for tattoos. If you’ve locked down a design, the next question is, ‘where do I put it?’.
Rather than readily agree to every request, a good artist will sit down with customers first to find out more about their motivations.
“We don’t want to be responsible for destroying their lives. Picking the right spot is so important,” Vernon explained. “If they want to be tattooed on visible areas like their neck or hands, they need to think about how it could affect their current job or future employment, as well as reactions from family and friends.”
They’re called artists for a reason. Heed their advice, even if they suggest tweaking your dream design for practical considerations.
Remember, they’re the ones holding the needle.
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For more tips on ‘adulting’, head over to
Let’s face it, at some point of our lives, every guy has fantasised about owning a man cave. There’s just something tranquil about knowing that there is a space in your home that is specifically set up for being a 5-year-old kid again. While it’s simple to fantasise, it isn’t easy to look for inspiration, with many sites suggesting old school ideas when it comes to building your fun palace. So, out with the leather chairs and in with the bean bags, here are some essentials that every modern-day man needs in his man cave. Whether you’re into first-person-shooters, racing or sports games, every guy can appreciate a well-equipped gaming area. While a gaming PC is more suitable for the bedroom, a gaming console will be the perfect centrepiece of a man cave. Sony’s flagship console is absolutely killing it this year, having released a slew of top rated PS-exclusive games like Persona 5 and Horizon: Zero Dawn since the turn of the year. In addition to the upcoming exclusives like Gran Turismo Sport and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, the console will also play titles like FIFA 18, Call of Duty: WWII and Star Wars: Battlefront II in the later half of this year. A PS4 Pro – ideal for 4K televisions – will set you back around S$599, although the cheaper “Slim” version will work well with any TV for S$449 (500GB). A game console is important but it’s useless without a television. There are loads to choose from depending on the size, resolution, display technology and whether you’re willing pay a premium for a “smart” one. Either way, a TV isn’t just for your Playstation, it’s perfect for If you have trouble picking the right one to fit your needs, Lazada has a Image: LG[/caption]
Depending on your budget, sofas are essential for the enjoyment of a man cave. In you’re tight on funds, IKEA’s Klippan couch costs only S$245 and is fairly comfortable for long periods of gaming. This piece of furniture can fit three and is relatively more affordable than most sofas on the market. Of course, if you’re willing to spend a little more for comfort, IKEA has wide selection to fit any budget. Alternatively, you can check out HipVan for a range of really comfortable sofas under S$1,000. A gaming corner isn’t complete without sitting area for your buddies. While armchairs make good additions to your couch, nothing exudes comfort and portability like bean bags. Fun and quirky bean bag makers Image: Doof Industries[/caption] When you’re kicking back after a long day at work, take the edge off with a mini fridge full of your favourite poison. Besides alcohol, it’s a great place to store cold cola, water and even sweet snacks like chocolate. You can find a huge range of mini fridges from Harvey Norman, Courts or Best Denki, but if you’ve got excess coin to spare, why not splurge on a fridge that could be decorative as well? The Image: SMEG[/caption]
A pretty close alternative is the EuropAce retro fridge, which looks almost identical to the SMEG one with the exception of the front branding. This one will cost a cool S$399 from Image: EuropAce[/caption] If you’re looking for something more futuristic however, new startup SOBRO has just launched an Indiegogo campaign for a “smart” coffee table with refrigerated drawers. The table also comes with Bluetooth speakers and charging ports to keep your smartphones juiced up. It’s said to retail at US$1,800 but if you back the campaign, you’ll get a set for just under US$700. Now, there’s no point building a man cave without having the opportunity to show it off. Thankfully, local gameroom outfitters The Men’s Cave (aptly named) has a range of products that will make your man cave perfect for parties and gatherings. From dart boards to beer pong tables, they’ve got huge range of party games at comparable prices. The Men’s Cave also has ping pong tables, arcade games, air hockey tables and foosball set, fit for any man cave. What’s more, there’s free local delivery for Singapore residents! If you’re a sneakerhead and love to show it, we understand how important it is showcase your kicks as proudly as possible. There’s multiple ways you could go about it, with many sneaker collectors opting for glass boxes and the sort. However, if you’re looking for a cleaner look that is equally accessible and they are visible, the IKEA Lack has been getting a lot of traction lately for sneaker display given its simplicity and minimalism. The IKEA Lack shelving will cost
Everybody’s favourite chat platform WhatsApp turns eight this Friday, reminding us of a time when it was the only app that allowed cross-platform messaging beyond iMessage and Blackberry Messenger. Since then, WhatsApp has built itself to become a mainstay on every smartphone user’s home screen, with 1.2 billion active users on a daily basis. With that in mind, its new feature will probably put Snapchat in a very uneasy position, just days before its initial public offering next week. According to Vulcan Post, WhatsApp is the latest of Facebook’s subsidiaries to clone the popular Snapchat story function, which allows users to post annotated videos or images which disappears after 24 hours. While Instagram placed its Stories function at the top of its main page, the feature will be used to replace WhatsApp’s existing Status update, which for most users, is set to “Available” on default. The function looks and feels very similar to Instagram Stories, with a time meter at the top of every video of image. Besides WhatsApp and Instagram, the feature has also been rolling out on Facebook Messenger and the Facebook main app, to really give Snapchat a run for its money.7 Essentials In Building A Modern-Day Man Cave
1) A Game Console
2) Television
Netflix and chilling catching up on the latest episodes of Game of Thrones and great for hosting movie nights.3) A couch
4) Bean Bags
5) Mini fridge
6) Party Games
7) Sneaker Wall
WhatsApp Celebrates Its Eight Birthday By Adding A Snapchat-Like Feature
Look Out, Your Partner Might Be “Netflix Cheating” On You
If you’re in a relationship, you’re most likely familiar with the regrettable promise to watch certain TV shows with your partner.
While it may seem like a great idea at first, there’s no telling how schedules might line up and before you know it, you’re left waiting mid-binge, dying to know what happens next.
As it turns out, you’re not alone. According to a study by Netflix, watching a TV show ahead of your partner has become quite the global phenomenon. And in Singapore, around 47% of streaming couples have admitted to it.
While the deed occurs across all genres globally, drama is the most popular for Netflix cheating in Singapore – probably due to all the Mediacorp shows growing up.
If you’re wondering how or when this might occur, around 25% of “Netflix cheating” generally takes place while a partner is asleep. In Singapore however, the majority of Netflix cheaters (69%) prefer to do so when they are home alone.
Here are some useful statistics on Netflix cheating trends in Singapore:
As shown, the top shows in Singapore for stream cheating to occur include Strange Things, House of Cards and Black Mirror.
If you’re guilty or simply interested in doing it but not sure how, Netflix has very kindly produced a three-step guide on getting away with it.
With V-Day Falling On A Tuesday, These Late Night Restaurants Will Sort You Out
Valentine’s Day is always filled with expectations and meeting them can be a challenge. If you’re in relationship, making plans on a Valentine’s Day which falls on a weekday makes it even tougher.
So if you’re afraid that you might be held up at work this Tuesday, why not make plans slightly later at a restaurant or food joint that opens till late.
Here are some late night restaurants to get your sorted.
1) OverEasy
[caption id="attachment_3276" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Image: OverEasy Facebook[/caption]Accessible for all CBD office folk, you can’t go wrong with OverEasy. Known for their burgers and American Diner ambience, this joint has good food, good music and most importantly, drinks! Plus, it’s a refreshing change from the usual romantic candle-light dinners on Valentine’s Day.
OverEasy Orchard
541 Orchard Road, #01-01 Liat Towers
Hours: 12pm – 12am
Reservations: 2) KUVO Singapore
[caption id="attachment_3277" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Image: KUVO Singapore[/caption]
For a more elegant and classy night, head over to KUVO Singapore at Orchard Shopping Centre, located right next to 313@Somerset. This lifestyle concept restaurant by TCC boasts a wide selection of fine dining dishes and cocktails. If you’re working late and won’t compromise on a sophisticated meal, KUVO’s got your covered.
KUVO Singapore
321 Orchard Road, #02-01 Orchard Shopping Centre
Hours: 12pm – 1am
Reservations: Online or 6733 8272
3) Chicken Up
[caption id="attachment_3278" align="alignnone" width="737"] Image: Chicken Up[/caption]Some say food tastes better when you eat with your hands. If you’re looking for a more unconventional V-Day dinner, give Korean fried chicken a go. Pair your trays of fried wings with ice cold beers or Soju and you’re good to go. If you and your partner still have room after your mains, check our their bingsu for a cold treat.
Chicken Up Tanjong Pagar
48 Tanjong Pagar Road
Hours: 5.30pm – 2am
Reservations: Walk-ins only
4) Spruce at Fire Station
[caption id="attachment_3279" align="alignnone" width="750"] Image: Spruce[/caption]If you’re in the West, fret not! Located at the old Fire Station at Upper Bukit Timah, Spruce is the ideal location for a more laid back evening. Known for its American comfort food, Spruce will not disappoint even the most picky of eaters. If you and your partner are competitive by nature, there’s even an electronic dart board to take each other on. Also, if you’re driving, there’s free parking.
Spruce at Fire Station
260 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Hours: 11.30am – 12.30am
Reservations: Image: Santouka Facebook Page[/caption]
If you and you’re partner are into ramen, Santouka serves one of the best bowls in Singapore – both their shio and shoyu ramens are to die for. Known for their rich broth, Santouka at Cuppage Terrace is located off Orchard Road, making it accessible and close to nearby bars for any other extra-curricular activities.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
21 Cuppage Road, 229452
Hours: 5.30pm – 11.30pm (dinner)
Reservations: Walk-ins only
6) Señor Taco
[caption id="attachment_3282" align="alignnone" width="960"] Image: Señor Taco[/caption]As the first Taqueria in Singapore, Señor Taco is known for their signature Tacos al Pastor with fresh pork marinated in herbs and spices. The restaurant imports ingredients freshly from Mexico and even has a tortilla factory in Singapore. Located at Clarke Quay, Señor Taco is sure to add some zest into your relationship with big flavours and great ambience. What’s more, this Valentine’s falls on Tacos Tuesdays, which means 50% off all tacos!
Señor Taco Clarke Quay
3A/3D River Valley Rd, Unit # 01- 07/12
Hours: 5.30pm – 3am
Reservations: Online or 6337 6376
7) Hello Kitty Café
[caption id="attachment_3283" align="alignnone" width="2424"] Image: Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Café[/caption]If you’re girlfriend is a huge Hello Kitty fan, look no further than the Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Café at Changi Airport. It’s got everything Hello Kitty fans will enjoy including all-day waffles in the shape of the popular female feline. What’s more, the café will also have several V-Day promotions including a 50% discount off their Love At First Bite dessert and Love At First Sip drink.
Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Café
Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 3
Arrival Meeting Hall Central, #01-22
Hours: 24 hours
Reservations: 6241 6127
Impress Your Lady With A Handmade Gift This Valentine’s Day
It’s never easy to pick out a gift for the girlfriend. From nailing the right size and colour, to finding out her favourite brands, choosing the right gift can be difficult – especially if she already has everything she needs!
So instead of worrying whether she’ll appreciate a store-bought gift, why not put your heart and soul into making one in its entirety?
Not only are handmade gifts one-of-a-kind, they can be customised and personalised to make them truly special. What’s more, your loved one will appreciate the time and hard work you’ve put into making it.
Of course, not everyone is born with creative touches, so here are some workshops to get you on your way.
1) Calligraphy & Brush Writing
[caption id="attachment_3101" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Bynd Artisan[/caption]Some say the best way to a girl’s heart is through words. If this is particularly applicable to your partner, consider taking up calligraphy or brush writing classes. Rather than picking out ready-made gift cards on special occasions, imagine having the necessary skills to create one from scratch.
Held at Bynd Artisan, the workshops are conducted by Joanne Lim, founder of The Letter J Supply, a papergoods and calligraphy store.
Price: S$150
Duration: 3 hours
Where: Atelier @ Holland Village
Registration:
2) Leathercraft
[caption id="attachment_3102" align="alignnone" width="681"] Image: The General Co.[/caption]Nothing represents longevity like durable leather. Commonly used in making purses, wallets and handbags, learning your way around this fine material could really go a long way.
While mastering the art of making leather goods will take several lessons, The General Company’s Leathercraft 101 is perfect for beginners to learn about the different types of leather and their properties. The workshop will also guide you in creating three personalised leather items – a coin pouch, a earpiece cord organiser and a cardholder – all of which you can bring home to your missus. You can even embossed them with her initials.
Price: S$79
Duration: 2 hours
Where: The Refinery Workspace, 115 King George’s Avenue
Registration: Image: Goodman Ceramic Studio[/caption]
Sure, pottery might seem like an obvious one but a cliché is a cliché because it works. The best thing about pottery is that your work will make a practical gift such as a mug, bowl, or vase.
If you’re intimidated by shaping clay with a fast-spinning wheel, the Goodman Ceramic Studio has a ‘Pottery Trial Session’ to help you get familiar with the process. Your work during the trial session will also be fired and glazed (optional) for the perfect finishing.
Price: S$58
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Where: Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Rd
Registration: Trial Throwing
4) Sewing
[caption id="attachment_3104" align="alignnone" width="1019"] Image: Uyii[/caption]Hear us out. While sewing isn’t the most manliest of skills, it’s a useful life skill to have in your repertoire.
If you’re in need for a gift for your girlfriend, sewing a bag or an accessory is a great way to fulfil your gifting needs while picking up a practical skill.
Local bag label Uyii offers sewing classes for both beginners and advanced ‘sewers’. You can choose from learning the basics to making specific items such as hats, apparels, accessories, or bags.
Price: S$620 (10 lessons)
Duration: 3 hours each session
Where: Sew Fun! @ Art Loft, 116 Middle Road
Registration: Image: Thistle Bindery[/caption]
If your girlfriend loves journals, there’s no better way to express your love than to bind her one from scratch. You can even select the type of paper and cover material while personalising it with her initials.
The Thistle Bindery & Co holds frequent bookbinding workshops for enthusiasts of varying expertise. Beginners should sign up for the Leather Wraparound session where Ian, the instructor, will teach you about the different types of leather and how to stitch the pages together.
Price: S$40
Duration: 2 hours
Where: The Art House or The Thistle Bindery
Registration: Thistle Bindery Workshops
6) Fabric Printing
[caption id="attachment_3106" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Image: Fictive Fingers[/caption]If you’re running out of ideas, why not learn to print patterns and motifs on fabric, a skill which can be applied to a blank T-shirt or tote bag? Paired with sewing, fabric painting is a great way to spice up any apparel or to be framed on its own.
Fictive Fingers, started by local sisters Hani and Aisah, holds basic fabric painting classes that teach basic patterning technics that can be applied to multiple surfaces. No prior knowledge required and you’ll walk out with you very own handprinted fabric to keep.
Price: S$148
Duration: 3 hours
Where: 317A Geylang Road
Registration: from SMRT stations islandwide.
Besides workshops, you can be updated with Singapore’s arts and culture scene with their plethora of articles.
With Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can follow A List Singapore on all your favourite platforms and never fear missing out on the local art scene.
This article was brought to you by A List Singapore.
Show Off This Valentine’s Day With These Local Artistic Gift Ideas
Valentine’s Day can be stressful if you let it, so don’t go into February unprepared. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or you’re trying to impress someone you like, nothing beats a well-planned Valentine’s Day, and we’re here to help.
V-Day gifts can really burn a hole in your pocket and it may come across as too “try-hard”. Thankfully, nothing screams thoughtfulness like a unique gift that can’t be bought off the shelf.
Here are some Valentine’s Day gift ideas that will fully embody that #supportlocal hashtag while impressing your partner with your fine taste.
1) A Custom-Made Instagram Photobook
[caption id="attachment_2973" align="alignnone" width="530"] Image: Artisan Prints[/caption]Since the advent of digital cameras and Instagram, printed photos have become a lost art. There’s just something about tangible pictures that give weight to the memories you have forged with your significant other. To take this one step further, why not create a photobook of your pictures together? You can even use photos you and your partner have posted on Instagram.
Local company Image: dddots[/caption]
If your significant other enjoys writing or jots down notes on a day-to-day basis, a thoughtful gift may come in the form of a handcrafted book by Image: Bynd Artisan[/caption]
If you don’t have a sentimental piece of fabric for a hand-bound journal, consider a personalised notebook for your partner with their very own names on it.
Girls love jewellery, whether they’d like to admit or not. If Tiffany & Co. is way off your budget and Pandora’s just too mainstream, may we suggest taking a more “artisan-designed” route.
Founder and owner of local artisan jewellers Image: wheniwasfour[/caption]
If you have a partner who is sentimental about Singapore’s history, an avenue to take might be souvenirs reminiscent of the nation’s past. If the word ‘souvenirs’ scares you, don’t worry – we’re not talking about Merlions and keychains.
Local merchant Image: Hush Candle[/caption]
If you’re looking for something more romantic, candles will do the trick. Picking the right scented candles can transform a stay-at-home date into an intimate affair.
Local candlemakers Hush Candle have a range of affordably-priced soy wax candles made from 100% natural ingredients. Instead of fragrance oils, Hush Candle uses only therapeutic grade essential oils which have aromatherapy properties.
You can choose from a selection of eight scents including their original three: Lemongrass, Rose and Lavender.
Where? Hush Candle
Price? S$20-38 (individual gift box), S$57 (set of three gift box)
7) A Box of (Artisanal) Chocolates
[caption id="attachment_2983" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image: Anjalichocolat[/caption]Last but not least, it wouldn’t be a V-Day gift list without a box of chocolates. It’s hard to hate chocolate but it has a danger of being cliché, so why not shake it up by buying a box of artisan chocolates hand-made in Singapore.
from SMRT Stations to find out about the latest happenings near you!
Besides workshops, you can be updated with Singapore’s arts and culture scene with their plethora of articles.
With Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, you can follow A List Singapore on all your favourite platforms and never fear missing out on the local art scene.
[NSFW] Here’s What Singaporean Girls Secretly Want To Ask Guys But Don’t
There’s a common understanding amongst guys that women are impossible to understand, particularly when it comes to arguments and saying one thing to mean another. But guys often overlook the fact that girls too do wonder about how the primitive mind of men works.
Thankfully, a Singaporean Redditor Ehsiala took to the popular site to ask girls to share what they’ve always wanted to ask guys but never dared.
The response was overwhelming, so we compiled ten of the best questions along with some of the replies they got from male Singaporean Redditors. To our surprise, the responses were not only candid, most of them were positive and friendly, which just goes to show that not everyone online are trolls.
1) Would you mind being house husbands?
There was quite a mix in responses, many of whom didn’t mind at all as long as their partners were fine being the sole breadwinner. Others however didn’t feel it was right to be dependent financially on someone else while another pointed out that house husbands have a risky position in society as only women were entitled to alimony, just in case the worst should happen.
Despite this, one redditor came forward saying that he volunteered to be the house husband to take care of his kid and that he is “loving every minute of it”.
2) How is paid sex different from “normal” sex?
Sex-related questions were always bound to happen, but a query about the difference between paid sex and unpaid sex caught our attention. A lengthy but insightful response from a reddit user explained that paid sex allowed him to reap the benefits of the deed minus the effort of having to “seduce” a girl.
It’s her job to pleasure you, so you don’t have to think of pleasuring her, or about how she feels about you.
He added that you can even explore certain kinks or fetishes by negotiating with money – pay more for this and that.
He did say however that it really depends on what you’re after, emphasising that it might be great for certain things but it will never replace the feeling of being in a relationship.
3) Would you mind if your girlfriend was more “educated” than you?
Reddit user alpspine51 was curious whether Singaporean guys were okay with dating a girl who had a higher degree or education background.
As it turns out, most guys are actually perfectly fine if their significant other was “more educated” than them.
4) Do you believe in having platonic friendships with girls?
A Redditor asked if guys believe in platonic friendships with girls, sharing that from what she has observed, girls generally believe in it more than guys. To her surprise, most respondents believed in it and even found that girls were easier to talk to about “deeper” topics.
User not_a_reddiporean added however that in most platonic relationships, “there’s a high chance the guy had a crush on the girl.”
5) How often do you masturbate?
To be fair, I’m pretty sure guys wonder this about girls too. Safe to say, the common response was indeed “often”.
6) What do you think of girls playing hard to get?
Turns out, not favourably. The respondents were not keen on girls who play hard to get and might even be turned off by it.
7) Would you allow your girlfriend to go out in “skimpy” clothes?
This question also drew mixed responses, with some saying that their girlfriends have the right to choose how they dress.
One respondent however shared that he would much prefer not, as a “sexy” outfit “would put his girlfriend in danger”. He explained that while she’s free to do what she wants, “perverted guys out there” are the problem, and would rather not have her become a target.
8) Do you ever get annoyed or embarrassed when you get erections at inconvenient times?
Random erections happen and mostly at the wrong times. All respondents agreed, and some even had hilarious anecdotes of their experiences.
I remembered the first time I went swimming with my gf. Half the time I was just hiding inside the float. Umm umm, you ain’t getting me out of the pool.
9) What gifts would you rather receive on your birthdays / Valentine’s Day?
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, one Redditor took her chance to fish ideas.
It wasn’t for naught, thankfully, as she received some really helpful advice. Some guys expressed how handmade gifts were their preference due to their thoughtfulness, while others said that anything practical works – whether or not it’s store bought or handmade.
Of course, it’ll depend from guy to guy as well.
10) How do I know if a guy likes me?
Of course, at the end of the day, girls are as curious as guys in figuring out whether we’re liked back. Almost everyone agreed that the best approach was to be straight up and ask the guy directly. Guys are less likely to beat around the bush – pun unintended – and are more likely to give a clear indication.
Other also advised to look out for signals, such as whether texts often and asks what you’re doing, although signals do differ from guy to guy.
How To Survive Awkward Chinese New Year Situations Like A Boss
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, those who are celebrating will get excited over the prospect of receiving ang paos only to be met with the realisation that this requires the interaction with our relatives.
Family time is always great in moderation, but sometimes visiting or having so many relatives over at once can be quite overwhelming. Aunties have a knack for asking some of the most awkward questions known to mankind, while Uncles may offer some strange advice from time to time.
Here’s how to survive through awkward Chinese New Year situations like a boss.
1) When someone asks “Where’s your girlfriend/boyfriend?”
Now, this would be a perfectly reasonable question if you do have a partner and if Auntie Kay Poh was well aware about it. Most of the time however, it’s just a backhanded question intended to find out whether or not you’re still single.
If you are attached and your significant other isn’t present, be honest and explain that they have a family too – snark is optional. If you are single, try practising the art of taichi by masterfully deflecting the attention to your sibling or cousin. The conversation may play out something like this…
Auntie Kay Poh: Ah boy ah, where’s your girlfriend?
You: I don’t have one, Auntie, like how Ah Seng hasn’t gotten a job yet!
Ah Seng: Oi!
2) When someone asks “Eh, when you getting married ah?”
If you’re attached and someone asks when you’re getting married, you can either take one of two options. If you would like to end the conversation there and then, go for something controversial like, “No one really gets married these days. Just have kids lor.” Do at your own risk.
For a safer option, use external factors as excuses – no matter how irrelevant – like the economy, housing prices, or the government. It’ll encourage them to rant about something, taking the attention away from your private life.
Auntie Kay Poh: Ah boy ah, when you getting married?
You: Oh, not so soon, Auntie. You know lah, the economy…
Auntie Kay Poh: Very bad hor! No wonder Ah Seng cannot find a job!
Ah Seng: Oi!
3) When Aunties and Uncles compare you to their kids
It’s perfectly fine to be proud of your kids, but there are those Aunties and Uncles who love to put their children on a pedestal and compare them to you on any criteria they can get their hands on. They may start by asking what course you took in school and then say something along the lines of, “Oh, my girl is doing that now. What was your GPA?”
It’s a trap! Unless you scored exceptionally well, revealing your number will lead them to compare and put you down. Instead, quickly say you can’t recall and take control of the questioning. Start asking your cousin how he or she finds the course and end the conversation by offering to help with the subjects.
Auntie Kay Poh: Oh, you did Mass Comm also? What was your GPA?
You: It was so long ago, Auntie, cannot remember. But Julie, if you need help with the subjects, let me know!
Auntie Kay Poh: No need lah! I go ask Ah Seng, he not working also.
Ah Seng: Oi!
4) When you don’t know your relatives’ names
It happens. Sometimes the most distant of relatives show up and you realise that after 25 years of meeting them once a year, you haven’t the slightest clue of their names.
Now the easy way out is to retreat to your pocket and whip out the reliable smartphone. But if you’re one to resolve an issue before it persist for time eternity, it’s time to break the ice with the least amount of awkwardness as possible.
To do that, be prepared with an easy-to-learn board game or card game for all ages. If you’re lucky, you’ll overhear their names being called and that’s when how you learn their names once and for all.
You: Come, let me teach everyone a game!
Auntie Kay Poh: Ai yah, Ah Seng confirm lose one.
Ah Seng: Oi!
5) When you’re visiting your girlfriend/boyfriend’s house
Breathe. Sure, it’s probably going to be more nerve-wrecking if you’ve never met the “in-laws” before, but if you have, at least you’ll see some familiar faces. Just bear in mind that Chinese New Year means that there’ll be distant relatives and extended family over as well.
Be prepared to introduce everything about yourself from your family and where you work, to how much you make, which school you attended and whether or not you have a car. If you think that their judging every word you say, don’t worry, they are. But that’s less on you and more on your partner.
The key to this is to make the greatest first impression ever. Make it as easy as possible for his or her family to like you, which will make your life so much easier down the line. So how do you avoid awkward situations there while making an impression? Help out with everything – the cooking, the washing – anything you can get your hands on. If they insist not to, volunteer to entertain the younger kids – they tend to be less judgemental than adults!
Auntie Kay Poh: Eh, Ah Boy ah. Your girlfriend’s mother told me you very good leh, help wash dishes all.
You: Oh, no lah. My mother say must help out and be useful mah.
Auntie Kay Poh: Wah, then how come Ah Seng turn out like this ah?
Ah Seng: Oi!