Single in the City? Duh.
Nine available New Yorkers stop by Eliz Digital’s famous passport photo shop to talk types, turnoffs, and the realities of dating in the situationship capital of the world.
Originally published in Takeaway Spring/Summer 2026. Get your copy here.
Interviews by SAHIR AHMED
Photos by CHUNIKA KESH
Fashion by DANIEL GAINES
A.K. Ikko, 23, Virgo; Westerleigh, Staten Island
Biggest fear?
Can’t think of one... I guess ceiling fans once... now, spelling words wrong!
What are you looking for in a relationship?
I have no standards right now. Someone honest—that’s important.
What do others say about you?
People tend to be shocked that I’m not an icy person. I am quiet with good posture. I think that’s what makes me intimidating.
Amber Wynne-Jones, 22, Taurus; Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
Love language?
Dance.
What turns you on?
Someone who is ridiculously themself.
What kind of texter are you?
I’m bad at texting, but once I’ve started, it’s 15 texts in a row and then... nothing.
Avsha Weinberg, 24, Virgo; Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
Where do you always end up after midnight?
Aunt Ginny’s in Ridgewood.
Green flag?
Being very good at Dance Dance Revolution.
Red flag?
Wants to teach me home repairing.
Bawila Idris, 26, Libra; Washington Heights, Manhattan
How do you relate to your sign?
I love knowing what the tea is. I’m very into the drama.
Hidden talent?
I’ve played the violin for 12 years.
What’s a big turnoff?
A clout chaser.
Clay Campbell, 26, Libra; Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Biggest fear?
Being ugly and broke.
Best place to meet hotties?
I always meet guys at Animal, sorry.
Why should someone date you?
I’m a good vibe and will put out on a first date.
Frank Nesbitt, 33, Aquarius; Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
Guilty pleasure?
No pleasure is punished.
What is dating in New York like?
High stakes.
Have you ever been in love?
Every other week.
Ivy Herndon, 24, Leo; Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
What do you do?
Textile development.
What do others say about you?
They tell me I’m wise for my age, but also naive in all the right ways.
What turns you on?
Sincerity.
Kimberly Jean Baldo, 23, Gemini; Bushwick, Brooklyn
How do you relate to your sign?
There are many sides to me.
What would your theme song be?
“Flesh Without Blood” by Grimes.
How would your friends describe you?
Workaholic. Music geek. Shoe addict. Proud hoarder of things with meaning. Yearner. Fiercely independent, but also free as a horse in a field. Never says no. Fortnite prodigy. Listener. Fun. Fierce. Caring. Dedicated. Absolutely fabulous.
Maximilian Isaacs, 27, Leo; Ridgewood, Queens
How is your dating life?
For me... painful? Lol. I’m a sensitive guy, with big feelings, so I never feel super cut out for the ambiguity of New York dating.
Guilty pleasure?
Smoking my poorly rolled spliffs all day.
What are you looking for in a relationship?
An audience of one to perform for every day in a little bubble away from everything.