Laronda McWhorter, 23
Retail sales associate
The perfect date: Going to a nice lounge with a live band and dancing. I like jazz.
Something most people don't know about me: I'm really into the arts and theater. I prefer the bigger productions, like the ones at PlayhouseSquare.
My passion: Helping others. I like volunteering. I once went on a spring break trip where I packaged food for people with Stop Hunger Now.
My favorite ... sports team: The Browns and the Cavs. I don't really get into sports. I cheer for the home team. ... musician/band: The neo-soul genre, like Bilal and India.Arie. ... TV show: Criminal Minds. I like the mystery in it. ... place in Cleveland: The University Circle area. I like going to the museums and events throughout the year like ice-skating on Wade Oval. ... book: The Bible. I read it about every other day.
... vacation destination: I would love to go to Paris, but so far my favorite has been a cruise to the Bahamas. ... way to exercise: Jogging. I just run around the neighborhood. I try to do it three times a week. ... month: December. I love my family getting together and putting up lights and decorations. ... website: Mediatakeout.com. It's a celebrity gossip site. I call it a guilty pleasure. ... drink: I love smoothies, anything with strawberry or pineapple.
My usual hangout: Someplace on West Sixth. I especially like Bar Louie for the atmosphere.
In high school I was ... a shy, quiet girl.
And now I'm ... more outgoing, more of a risk-taker. In college I tried out for a modeling competition and had to be up in front of people, but in high school I never would have done that.
My No. 1 dating rule: To relax, feel comfortable and enjoy each other's company. I'm pretty comfortable and I want to make them comfortable too.
My deal-breaker: Disrespectful, cocky guys. Guys who are super-blunt and say mean things and talk about past relationships the whole time.
On a first date I never ... like to reveal too much about myself.
Biggest turn-on: Confident guys who take control of things, and a sense of humor.
Biggest turnoff: Disrespect or smokers.
My hidden talent: I'm a singer. When I went to college, that all ended.
I own too many ... purses. Between my mom, sister and me, we have 80 purses. We trade back and forth.
My best feature: My smile.
My bad habit: I can be overly sarcastic.
My first kiss: It was in junior high. That's about it.
My guilty pleasure: I like to shop, but I'm not addicted or anything.
How my ex would describe me: I'm a giver of time, always being there for others and willing to help out.
How my best friend would describe me: I'm funny, and I give good advice. I'm a good listener.
Going out or staying in: Staying in. It's less hectic.
Early, late or right on time: I like to be at least 15 minutes early.
Morning person or night owl: Morning person. Today I got up at 2:30 a.m. to be at work at 4 a.m.
Dogs or cats: Dogs. One day I want to own a Great Dane.
iPhone or Android: Android.
Dancing ... yes or no: Yes. I like all types — ballroom, hip-hop, Chicago step dancing.
Twitter ... yes or no: No. I deleted my account. I just wasn't into it.
My longest relationship: 11 months.
My biggest goal right now: I want to go back for my master's in higher education to be an admissions counselor or career counselor.
Celebrity crush: Christian Keyes.
Most unusual place I've met someone: A grocery store. Someone tried to pick me up in the freezer aisle.
My take on Cleveland's single scene: There needs to be more events promoted for people to meet one another.
What do you find sexy about yourself? My personality. I'm outgoing and able to adapt to different situations.
Why do you think you are single? I'm picky. I don't like guys who don't want to do something in life or who or aren't striving to do better.
