https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizthach/2024/05/15/wine-triumphs-us-wine-industry-surpasses-107-billion-in-2023-sales-report-reveals/?sh=2f957c701727#:~:text=“Though%20the%20volume%20of%20wine,firm%20that%20spearheaded%20the%20report
Yes people are drinking less, but they are drinking higher quality (supposedly). “‘For example, in their 20s, the proportions of Gen Xers, Millennials and Gen Z who drink wine have been fairly close,’ Miller stated. At the same time, he suggests being ‘cautious about stereotyping behavior by generation,’ because there are other factors, such as life stage, income, education, and social background that influence wine adoption.”
Take it easy guys. The industry isn’t dying like all this panic-laced articles have reported.
Curious of everyone’s thoughts.

Another weekend, another ominous thunderstorm and accompanying rain keeping me from playing outside. Checking out stores >> getting struck by lightening. Today’s journey took me towards Lakewood because I didn’t want to sit in the I-25 parking lot but still wanted to get south/west-ish after not being able to even get a parking spot at REI for their big sale event - so with the storm in mind and time to kill, that’s where I ended up.
Without further ado, starting from Hwy 6 since that's about where I-25 ground to a halt, and Wadsworth, going south:
Bingo AJ Liquors - shooters and minimal shelfers - Rating: Don’t bother
Spirit Shop (Belmar Crossing) - mostly shelfers with some okish bottles up top behind the counter but nothing that was ‘wow’. Didn’t bother to ask for prices on those. Ok pricing on stuff that was elsewhere on wall. Not a giant selection, but if you live nearby… ok whatever. Rating: not making a return trip.
Mile High Wine Spirits - Belmar - Relatively plain selection with decent variety of non-shelfers, ok prices, nothing special though. A few store picks in boxes near the front. Rating - probably won’t drive across the city on a return trip, but not bad either.
Quality Discount Liquor Wads - Not even standard shelfers - Rating: don’t bother
Giant Discount Liquors - Basic shelfer selection with some local bottles thrown in. I can appreciate that. Good stuff super marked up behind counter. Example: 200 JD10 and Bowman. Pass. A OF SiBBP (probably a CO pick)… didn’t see price, but based on the other stuff up there, asking would have just left me disappointed. Rating: Pass.
Wads Liquor and Wine - 5x Weller greens happily on a shelf, 4x EHT smb tubes 'bout 150. 2x Horsey Juices 115ish. A BT fanboy or someone who was riding the hype train with money to burn would be happy here. I would be if I was on the hype train, but I kept on going… MM BEP 75ish. KC12 75 (kind of my bellwether, a store generally gets an ‘A’ if KC12 is in the 60s. Overall sentiment: fair prices and decent selection. Would return if I was in the area just to look around.
Trading Post Liquors - fairly wide and diverse selection out on the shelf for a non-mega store. However, anything even remotely “special” was pretty marked up behind the counter. JD10 for 200 ish etc… Rating: If I lived nearby, I’d probably occasionally hit it up to support local.
Quincy Costco - Willet 4yr Rye 65, both Larceny A124 & C923 - 55. Need to give the liquor manager a high five for picking good stuff. Other bottles were present, of course, but these two at their respective price points piqued my interest. After one of the posts last night about A124, I had a hard time not picking up a bottle for a rainy day, no pun intended. Rating: Top Costco in front range for hard liquor, followed closely by DIA. Worth the drive.
TW Littleton & Centennial - Littleton seemed to be price matching Costco - because they too had 65 4yr Willet rye. A later stop at the Centennial TW had it closer to 90 like a lot of other places. Can’t blame them for trying I guess!
I was overall surprised to see Bardstown offerings come down in price… a sign of bourbon deflation? A sign of the economy? A thrust for market share? Their own 6 year juice being ready? Bardstown White label Origin 38, Black label Origin BiB 43, Red Disco 9 140, Rye for 51.
Also had the lowest prices on Michters standard offerings I’ve seen, in the < 45 range. Finally, it seemed they’re really pushing their house brands, particularly Walcott. At least it says that it’s Barton right on the front. Why do I say this? There didn't seem to be as much variety in store picks as I remember a few months ago, but there were shelves and shelves and boxes of their house brands.
That's it for today!
Disclaimer: Note that my trip reports are specifically in the context of looking for (primary American) whiskey & bourbon that I’m interested in - not necessarily hunting for allocated bottles, just looking out for things that I’d like to try that I probably read a review of on one of the bourbon/whiskey subs here. I would not turn down a WFP or gold top horse juice if I saw one for a good price, but I have a personal rule about not paying much more than MSRP - there’s too much good stuff out there to try instead.
Instead, when I'm out, I like to drive around and look for "holes in the wall" that might be worth returning to in the future should I be in the specific part of town visiting a friend, or something like that. A place with good prices or a good selection, or ideally both. Plus I get to see other parts of town I've never been to. People who post their stories of favorite stores or epic finds here got me started and have resulted in some great finds for myself, so I'm returning the favor.

I didn't have all the things for a Naked and Famous, or a Last Word. So I made the Naked at Last, aka the Flying Nudist... https://imgur.com/a/qFaf8mC
1.5 oz Gin
0.5 oz Mezcal
2 oz Green Chartreuse
2 oz Aperol
0.5 oz cherry syrup from the cocktail cherry jar
0.5 oz lime juice
Optional: 2 dash orange bitters, 1 egg white or 1oz chickpea wateaqua faba
Make: mix all, wet shake on ice. Fine strain. Dry shake to emulsify, fine strain into a n iced coupe or red wine glass. Garnish with a skewered black cherry.
Tastes more like a Paper Plane than I expected. More floral due to the Gin & Chartreuse, but with less depth & complexity sans Amaro. Smoke still comes through with the mezcal. I'm going to ice it down next time and serve it as a boozy spritz for spring/summer barbeque with seafood skewers.

I wanted to try a new ice cream today but my Wholefoods do not sell the Frutero brand. So I picked up Van Leeuwen honeycomb to try. What surprised me was the texture of the ice cream how easily scoopable it was straight in with a spoon. The ice cream was sweeter than Ben and Jerry’s and Haagen Dazs but less than Jenni’s ooey gooey butter cake. Another surprise were the honeycomb bits they were crunchy. Like biting into sweet crunchy candy. Overall I rate it 7/10. BTW the Ben and Jerry ice creams are on sale right now for $4 something at Whole Foods so I stocked up on another pistachio.

I’ve been a hockey fan since I was young and played ice for about a year when I was young, but didn’t go anywhere. After playing inline with goalie rentals I decided I want to join a league and play, I got myself my own pads from a pro team sale and need slider suggestions. I don’t want to mess with the pads and don’t want screws, I need something that I strap or put on, and something that I could take off and play ice with because I’m thinking about that. What do you people suggest?
I’m also looking for good slightly inexpensive other gear, so any suggestions or places I could find such would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve been taking my college classes every semester for two years straight without any breaks while working in a restaurant 4-5 days a week. Just recently finished up spring semester and had another class for the summer start this past week. I’m always looking for moments where I can just relax for a second, take a breather, spend a minute without thinking about anything at all.
I woke up this morning hungover, didn’t have work, and decided to just sleep it off. Took a nap, didn’t get out of bed until 1 pm and went to chipotle. I actually listened to the song Untitled by Interpol for the first time on the way with my windows down and was completely blown away. Music is such a massive part of my life and that song just hit for me and instantly put me in a great mood.
I ended up looking for a new game to play on Xbox and saw that assassins creed Valhalla was on sale for like 10 bucks. I’ve been wanting to play this game for a while because I’ve been so into Viking history lately but never got myself to spend 60 dollars on it and was honestly thrilled when I saw it on sale.
Took four hours to download so in the meantime my gf and I went to the store and got some goods. I cooked (I love cooking) steak, mashed potatoes and asparagus. Steak turned out perfect. One of the best I’ve done and it was great now I’m laying in bed with a glass of wine playing Valhalla. Amazing.
It’s tough to focus on what parts of your day are good when so much of it is taken up by working and obligations. I always look forward to having a day where I can just do nothing at all. I guess I just had a great relaxing day and wanted to talk about it and see what everyone else looks forward to on their days off?

Saling for $699 obo Current Retail Price: $1,189-1,400 on Amazon, Home depot, Danby etc.
I have this brand new, untouched, super nice beverage center up for grabs. Unfortunately, I am sober and can't use it for anything at home. I won it in a raffle. So, I'm listing it for a very good price to make someone's day!. All you need to do is pick-up in Tucson, or I can deliver it for $20 within Tucson.
Save over $500 by getting this brand new system and have it delivered or come pick it up! It's a no brainer.
Free standing, under counter or built-in, you decide.
No this is not a scam. This very real and the best chance of getting this for under $1,000 anywhere online or in-store. We need it gone.
French Door design: provides separate temperature controlled compartments for wine and beverages
Beverage Cooler with Glass Doors: This Danby Beverage Center has French Door design that provides separate compartments for wine and beverages
5.2 Cubic Feet (147.25 Liters) Beverage Refrigerator: The unit is roomy and can hold up to 60 (12 oz/355ml) beverage cans or 27 standard 750 ml wine bottles
Custom Temperature Control: Wine compartment can be set to between 41°F and 64°F (5°C and 18°C) and the beverage compartment to between 37°F and 64°F (3°C and 18°C) in this beverage refrigerator
Superior Cooling System: Fan forced cooling maintains a consistent internal temperature throughout the cabinet.
Safeguard Your Collection: Thermostat reverts to the last temperature setting after a power outage.
Versatile Storage: Black wire shelves for wine and glass shelves in the soda fridge
Glass Door Mini Fridge: Attractive steel door frame with dual pane glass and matching handle
Bright and Modern: Illuminated interior with blue LED lighting in this beverage coole
If the family fridge is getting a little cluttered with cans of beer, bottles of wine, or the odd soda, we have a solution. This modern beverage center from Danby is the perfect way to chill and organize all of your favorite beverages. This unit can hold up to 60 12oz cans or 27 standard 750ml bottles of your favorite wines on three stylish black-wire and glass shelves.
Dimensions
Product Width 23.8"
Product Depth 24.25"
Product Height 34.7"

The moment a lot of you have been waiting for is here!
A couple of notes before you read (or after because I would just jump into the list right away too)

1. Direct quotes from Ali herself are in italics.
2. I tried my best to keep everything in timeline order. Some people like The Come Back Kid I placed in the order where they reconnected/talked about on the pod. But I did my best to note this.
3. All this information came from the FMH podcast, the Patreon, the original FMH blog, TikTok and other podcast that feature FMH/Ali. I also crossed reference information with this sub. I got most of this done with the help of the Patreon and listening to 1.75x speed but I lost accessed to the Patreon because my subscription ended.
4. I'm open to edits! Things around the matchmaker era confused me and if anything is incorrect or if I'm missing someone, please let me know! I will note where corrections are made.
5. Some people don't have anything simply because only a name was said or I couldn't find any details about the person/date
6. And of course, please be respectful of all the sub rules!

Names on the original FMH blog

• Mr. Adorable aka The Coach
• Trouble
• Waffles
• Future Husband Brian (FHB)
• Cookie
• Peter Pan
• Ambiguous Goodbye Guy
• Bad Bitch Man

AOL chatroom Boyfriend
Mentioned on Tiktok and on the pod once
Myspace Boyfriend
Mentioned on Tiktok
Third Boyfriend
Met on eCrush.com in 2002 and this was mentioned on the Cracked Up podcast, The Dave Glaser Podcast and Tiktok
The Kiwi
Met on a 2 week Model UN type youth trip in high school when Ali was 15, never a boyfriend but she had a huge crush on him, he tried to kiss Ali and she literally ran away, didn’t talk the rest of the trip but exchanged numbers and screen names (Ali’s was FineGal13 or BeachJewel760), she made him a mixtape cd called “Ali’s really cool mix for The Kiwi” but never sent it and she still has it. In 2021, he DM’d her when she posted photos of her and her mom in France and invites her to visit him in London, she says she can’t but says they should catch up if he comes to NYC
Fourth Boyfriend
Met on OkCupid when you had to use it on the computer, this was mentioned on Tiktok
The Homecoming Date or Light Switch
First boyfriend? (she goes back and forth calling him her first bf or a situationship), a family friend, a month younger than Ali, dated in high school but went to different high schools, football player, made him ask her to her Homecoming dance over email (her words), Ali hid in the bathroom the whole Homecoming dance, 3-4 revisits of this situations as adults, saw him on Bumble a few years ago and texted him that he had a typo in his bio, “he very much wanted to be with me” and now he’s married with a kid. His mom is still “obsessed” with Ali and she listens to FMH
Random college guy
Freshman year of college, Ali doesn’t have a nickname for him/doesn’t remember his real name, met this guy through a friend, was texting him to invite him over to hot tub but her phone autocorrected to “how about some hot rubbing tonight?” but Ali didn’t noticed/didn’t correct it and he never replied, Ali had a house party and got really drunk and was all over him, he left the party early, she messaged him on MySpace 3-4 times asking why he left
The Resident
Matched on Match.com, first guy she dated in NYC after college, older than Ali, a doctor, lasted 3 months ”maybe”, he didn’t like Ali’s friends, got a card from him on her birthday and it said “Love, The Resident” and it took Ali back a little, Ali drinks black coffee because of him, he coordinated having her mom visit NYC for her birthday then he broke up with her a week later
The Ghost
Met at a bar when she was 25, turns out they matched on OkCupid and they already had a date scheduled next week, they dated for 6-8 weeks, had sleepovers, “The worst ghosting experience I’ve ever had”, he borrowed The Great Gatsby from Ali’s roommate, planned to make dinner together after a beach trip in August with her friends and never showed up, Ali is blowing up his phone and gets no reply, two weeks later she finally texts “are you alive? check yes or no” and he responds “Yes”, Ali then ask if he could return the book and gets no reply again, 5 months go by and she receives the book in the mail with the note: “Here’s the book back. Sorry. P.S. sorry about last summer. I was in a bad place. You’re a great person and your salmon is amazing”, since then she has ran into him twice on the streets and matched with him on Bumble
The Coach/Mr. Adorable
First serious boyfriend at 26/27 in 2013, matched on Match.com or met through work depending if you’re listening to the pod or reading her OG blog, clean-cut look, played volleyball, Ali invited him to a friend’s birthday party and they made out in the streets at 4am, on their second date he asked Ali if she was seeing any one and when Ali said no he ask her to be his girlfriend 3 days after their first date, dated for almost 1.5 years or almost 2 years depending on if you’re listening to the pod or the Patreon, first time saying “I love you” to a guy, “lovely guy“, never would posted Ali on his instagram until Ali said something, he “lived” with her for two weeks while he was in between apartments, tried blind folding/hair pulling during sex and she didn’t like it, by the end of their relationship Ali didn’t like sex and thought she wasn’t a very sexual person, after they broke up Ali drunk texted him at 2am and he picked her up and she spent the night and she took her things in the morning in a rolly suitcase, from her blog in 2015: “I just want to be careful I don’t end up with another Mr. Adorable situation, where I find myself dating my platonic best friend”, had drinks with him in 2016 from the blog: “Not in a romantic way (at least on my end)”, Ali still talks to him sometimes through casual instagram DMs, he’s currently (as of 2021) dating someone for 4+ years and Ali thinks they’re going to get engaged
Trouble
OG 2015 FMH blog, never mentioned on the pod, “I was immediately enamored with him”, met at a Beer Olympic party but he worked with one of Ali’s best friends (Ali was still dating The Coach at the time), lived in BK, tattoos and stubble, Ali’s best friend said he was a “fuck boy”, “he very much made me see that it was the right thing for me and The Coach to not be together”, from her blog in 2015: “he has this look in his eye like he’s constantly laughing at me – in a super sexy way”, he texted her saying he didn’t see anything romantically with her and she sent a gif of someone shrugging
Personal side note: Ali has mentioned she has cheated on someone but never disclosed who she cheated on or with. I feel like she cheated on Mr.A/The Coach with Trouble because of the timeline. Just a guess.
Waffles
Matched on Bumble, OG 2015 FMH blog, he asked Ali fuck/marry/kill breakfast foods, dated 2 months around summer time, on Fourth of July while watching fireworks he said how they had a great day and Ali replied with something along the lines with “yeah, it would be better if I could call you my boyfriend”, he said he wanted a relationship but just not with Ali and shortly afterwards they stopped seeing each other
The Buffalo
Lived in Buffalo NY, 6’5, Scorpio, met in 2015 at Adults National volleyball (Ali’s team won that year) where he was heckling her while she was playing, asks Ali’s mom for her number and Ali’s mom said “I guess you’re tall enough” and told him to ask her himself, he flew her out and she met his parents, dated over summer, exclusive but never boyfriend/girlfriend (but called him her LD boyfriend on TikTok), texted and talked on the phone a lot, Ali’s best friend’s favorite ex “they had really good banter”, in October he invited her to his cousins wedding and she invited him to her friends wedding, after Ali bought her ticket to his cousins wedding (with the promise he would buy her ticket to her friend’s wedding) he ghosted and stonewalled her, she “poured her heart out to him on voicemail” and he never replied, she asked him to pay her back for her ticket and he got mad that she “made this about money”, 2 years later he told Ali that he freaked out because he really liked her and saw a future with her but knew she would never move to Buffalo and it would “never work”, Ali said at the time she would have considered moving for him, Ali used to have him blocked on Facebook and told all her friends not to update her on info about him (unless she asked). He’s now married and goes to Disney with his wife (which Ali kind of scoffs at?), Ali said on TikTok that she dodged a bullet
Baby Bic
Met him at Adults National years ago, had a flirtationship with him in 2016 when he was 19 years old, ran into him at the Adults Nationals 2021, last texts she got from him were about getting his fake ID taken away at the bar and him visiting her in NYC but Ali didn’t want to buy him beer and drink at her apartment
The Chef
Matched on Tinder around 2016, he loved karaoke, “total shit”, asked Ali to be his girlfriend and to meet his mom after a month, off and on dating, broke up the first time because he was talking to his ex, lied and flew to Mexico to see his ex while dating Ali, that ex sent Ali a Snapchat of them in bed together on that Mexico trip, Ali broke up with him via text and called him a shitty boyfriend, he’s the reason Ali deleted her Snapchat because of drunk Snaps he would send post break up, FB messaged Ali 6 years later (while Roark was visiting/staying with Ali) and said sorry for being a shit head. Ali’s best friends hated him
The Dentist
Met on Halloween in the wild, Canadian, dated NYE 2016- May 2017 “nice guy, not my guy”, one of Ali’s best friend’s favorite ex “he adored you, “he was too sweet for me” and “he had no edge to him”, he painted Ali’s cat for her 30th birthday but she was annoyed it was just Rory and not both cats, The Chef texted Ali while on a date/sleeping at his house
ASV - Aspiring Sober Vegan
Met through a friend (her best guy friend’s college roommate) the day before she had to fly out to her dad’s memorial, a doctor, into meditation, remembered him “being cuter” when they went on a first date, felt “the spark”, had “omg this is awesome sex”, Ali described this relationship as a “slow burn” and “the most attracted she ever been to a partner” even thought she didn’t think he was that cute in the beginning, dated 2-3 months before he tried to ghost Ali but they talked and broke up, four months later they start casually dating/FWB because he’s moving but this turns into a ‘middle distance relationship’ and he moves to Philly, had a lot of communication issues but didn't have a lot of fights, wants to live in Ohio and give a % of his income to charity, Ali was close to saying ‘I love you’ but didn’t, he uninvited her to meet his extended family and they got in a fight, broke up with her a couple weeks before their 6 month anniversary at the park while on a picnic and told her that she’s still his favorite person, Ali used to think he was “the one that got away” and would frequently have dreams about him. From what Ali knows, he's sober but not vegan
The Scientist
2017 or 2018ish, from San Diego, went on one date, Ali ended up ghosting him due to the decline in her dad’s health, saw him on Hinge while she was in San Diego for 3 months in 2020, texted him and apologized for ghosting him, ended up going on 2-3 more dates, took a selfie in front of his house and sent it to him but acted like she didn’t know that was his house and made a TikTok about it, things ended up not working but she doesn’t make it clear on who ended it. She can now see she shouldn’t have been going on dates during this time when her dad was sick.
Good on Paper Divorced Dude
Met a couple of years ago (she told this story on TikTok in 2020) on Bumble
The Groomsman
Met at her friend Ashley’s wedding in Chicago Oct 2019, had a “two night stand” with him, texted/talked/FT’d for 3-4 months, divorced, never dated seriously/FWB, saw each other a couple time when he came to NYC, Ali stopped talking with him due to FMH and her trying to find a serious relationship, he starts dating someone, follows FMH on insta, slid into her DM in 2022 and then sent her soup while she was sick, turns out he’s single again, 2 months later Ali is heading to Chicago and texts him “Hello! Reminder that my arrival to your neck of the woods is imminent” and turns out he is now seeing someone and Ali doesn’t see him while in Chicago (at least she doesn’t mention it)
Unnicknamed person
He was her plus one at her best friend from college’s NYE wedding 2019/2020, met and hung out with Ali’s mom, posted photos of them together on her personal Insta story, “fully dating but weren’t official hehe” doesn’t have a nickname/never gave him a nickname? This could be The Latvian/the person she texted her friend in DC about saying “I think I’m on a date with my husband”

Starts FMH on January 2020 on Instagram/TikTok

The Traveler
He was browsing Bumble while Ali was in the bathroom during their first date, he was banned from Bumble and was using his grandma phone number. Ali turned down a second date
The Duke
Early FMH, went for long periods of time in between texts, 7-8 Zoom dates while Ali was in San Diego and he was in NY, Ali said you could see three of his ex’s on his instagram page (without scrolling), they finally went on one date and it was “meh” but they did kiss on their date
The Oyster
Matched on Bumble (he had one photo and no bio) two weeks before Valentines Day, Gemini, a lawyer, part of the 13 First Dates in 30 Days series (he was #13), dated Feb 2020-Aug 2020, love bomber, felt “the spark” and became official after 3 dates, best first date ever??? at the time, said “I love you” to Ali after two weeks, “For most of my relationship with The Oyster, he didn’t live in the city he had moved to Connecticut without telling me”, would fight all the time, opposite political views, Ali felt like a “fucking summer camp director” because she planned all their dates and he would get upset if Ali didn't have a plan, sought out a therapist (Megan) because of her relationship struggles because of him, went to Mass/church, he wanted a traditional marriage/life/wife/kids (at one point had Ali thinking she wanted that), didn’t want to live in NYC, didn’t support BLM, Cindy hated him
The Pilot
Went on 3 dates, texted a lot, didn’t hear back from him in four days and when she said she was looking to date someone who showed more consistency, he replied saying he met someone the day after their last date who seems to have more free time than Ali and he wants to pursue that but would like to be friends, Ali said on TikTok that this other women “bent her schedule to his schedule” and she was unwilling to do that. Mostly talked about him on TikTok
The Analyst
Matched on Bumble two years ago and went on one date, re matched in 2021 and he stood Ali up, she send him a text “getting stood up” script and he never replied. Only mentioned him on TikTok (?)

Ali and Roark start FMH: The Podcast February 2021

The Boomerang
First date on the pod? I couldn't find anything else about him
The Scuba Diver
The Music Man
One date, “he didn’t do anything wrong, he’s just not for me”, amped up small talk, complimented Ali a lot which made her feel awkward cause she wasn’t feeling it, he texted her and asked for a second date and Ali sent the no ghosting script
The Bet
Uses the phrase “ok bet”, 28 years old shoe designer, only went on one dinner date to a spot he picked, turns out its cash only and he didn’t bring cash, was not into him , not looking for the same thing
The Dinosaur
Nickname was previously The Hawaiian, first date at Dinosaur BBQ, stood in a parking spot to save for Ali, he asked for a kiss after their date and Ali declined saying maybe next time
The Rose
He sent her a rose on hinge, first date was an hour long walk in the park while drinking beer
The Comic
Matched on Hinge, older than Ali (Ali’s friends express how happy they were to hear that), had brunch on their first date (was the first part of a double header but the second guy canceled), listed as “moderate” politically on Hinge, good and easy convo, went back and forth twice over text and then never heard back from him, “technically not ghosting...”
The Camper
Met in the wild at a volleyball tournament in July, lives in Chicago, 27 years old, hung out the whole time, over heard Ali asking someone to get her a make out partner, gave Ali his number, drunkly ask him for a FT date in the future and he didn’t reply, Ali texts him again about a volleyball thing and he replied back with not a lot of enthusiasm, Ali is going to Chicago in Sept for a volleyball tournament and she’s already planning on playing 4-on-4 with her best friend vs. his roommate and maybe The Camper, he texts her saying he has to work on the date of the tournament and won’t be able to do the 4-on-4 game, “I feel like I got broken up with someone I never want to date in the first place”

Ali’s Matchmaker contract starts in August 2021 - 6 matches

The Schmoozer
Went on a dinner date, was chatting up the waitress in a kind of creepy way, was bragging about a lot of things and it turned Ali off and Ali texted him her no ghosting script
The Accountant
1st matchmaker match, 31 years old, lives in BK, his dad has also passed away, easy to talk to, on the third date she wasn’t sure if she saw a future with him and in her gut doesn’t feel like this would be a slow burn, Ali breaks things off with him, months (?) later he sent Ali a 5 min long voice memo and they said they were both down to see each other as friends. He later on dated and ghosted Erica
The Aussie
Matched on Hinge, in politics, from Australia but lived all over the place, asked Ali what she’s looking for on the first date and he said he’s “casually looking for something serious”, Ali accidentally walks up to a different person on their second date, Ali texts him saying she would love to see him before he leaves on a trip and she wasn’t happy that it took him till the next day to reply and he can’t see her before he leaves
The Goalie
Was supposed to be Ali’s 2nd match, he’s a paying client, Ali didn’t hear back from him for a while when she told him where she lived, he wrote to the matchmaker saying that she lived too far away even though it states where she lives in her matchmaker profile
The Journalist
2nd matchmaker match, ended things because she was dating/pursuing things with The Discoball and paused her matchmakers matches

The Threepeat
Matched multiple times on dating apps but this recent time with Hinge, Amazon seller, first date was a pizza lunch date (with bubbles aka champagne) and he gave her a single yellow carnation, talked a lot about her “side hustles” aka her food blog, coaching, FMH and the pod (Ali didn’t mentioned the name on FMH), had an awkward half kiss during the date and then gave her a peck when they said goodbye, he had no night stands by his bed?, spent the night but told public pod they had a movie night, different kissing styles, 6 dates, broke things off with Ali two days before her first date with The Rower WHILE Ali was on a Halloween girls trip
The Rower
Dated from Halloween 2021 till early Feb 2022, Pisces who is 6 days older than Ali, has an ex-fiancé (they dated for 8 years, engaged for two of them, she broke off the engagement with him 1.5 years ago once he started dating Ali), has a shared dog with this ex, slept together around Xmas on the fourth date and Ali got a UTI, first time having “omg this is awesome sex” since ASV, first person Ali slept next to wearing an eye mask "that's a big step for me", had him watch 90 Day Fiancé, on New Years Day told her that he sees “long term relationship potential” with her but doesn’t want to be exclusive after 5 dates, “we didn’t talk all week”, he said he wasn’t as ready as he though to date someone seriously and “I don’t know why I don’t want to be in a relationship with you” they broke up over the phone, Ali said he’s a good human and wants to date someone like him, 3.5 weeks later Ali drunk texted him at 3:00 am saying “its really hard not to talk to you” which Ali said was a lie, he replied back (few days? A week later?) while Ali was on another date and it made her cry a bit, she replied back saying “the door is closed but not locked” in regards if he wants to get back together. “Fin… for now”

2022

The Discoball
Matched on Hinge but didn’t go on a first date for two week, Gemini, used to be a singer in a band, moved from DC to NYC, went on 7 dates in 2022, had a dog w/ ex and ex got full custody once he moved, met one of his friends on the second date, slept with him on the second date “morning and night”, he tried to find the podcast without knowing the name, podcasted from his house in DC, he would send Ali photos of them together “all the time”, gave a virtual presentation from his hotel room, did Molly together in DC, had him watch 90 Day Fiancé, moved to BK (didn’t see each other for 2 months pre-move), had a sex-less sleepover (a milestone for Ali), he showed up for her on her dad’s death date (something that a person she’s dating has never done), used to listen to the pod but stopped before they stopped seeing each other, ghosted her after they had a talk about moving things forward to exclusive and Ali texted him something along the lines of “your silence is the answer” when she didn’t hear back from him for a week and he ghosted her. Ali said he sucks in #77 AUA
Lisbon
The Brit
M&M
The Come Back Kid
They went on 2-3 dates in Nov 2018 and reconnected in May 2022, "felt immediately comfortable", sat next to a very drunk lady on their second 1st date and was supportive but "didn't step on Ali's toes" when the drunk lady said something offensive to Ali, couldn’t remember if they slept together or not, knows about FMH, ghosted Ali
The Trainer
The Cold Brew
The Nomad
3rd matchmaker match, reminded Ali of The Oyster, wanted kids and didn’t want to live in NYC forever, Ali was upset at first because her matchmaker was supposed to screen for that but the matchmaker DID check and it wasn’t mentioned when she was screening The Nomad, no second date because those are dealbreakers to him
The Catcher
Matched on Bumble, “good not great” after their first date, ~April 2022, talked about sports a lot on their first date
The Gentleman
4th matchmaker match, knew about Ali’s FMH socials before their date, Ali didn’t like his texting style, awkward intro on their first date “like hugging a 2 x 4”, he runs a dating event company and actually email Ali to be a guest on the pod when FMH first started, awkward goodbye, didn’t discuss the actual first date on the main pod because she doesn’t want to give him a reason to reach out again
The Tennis Pro
Ali had a good time on their date, “He is an adult, he’s mature” BUT “I don’t think he was into it”
The Padre
Matched on Bumble, 3 dates, from San Diego, “energy mismatch”, doesn’t want to know or listen to FMH, no psychical connection/kiss, only a kiss on the cheek on their last date, “I haven’t spoken to him since Friday night [a week]”, she didn’t want to do what The Threepeat did to her (break up while on vacation/traveling), she said it might be a MOO

Roark leaves and Erica joins the pod Oct 31st 2022

Captain Kirk
5th matchmaker match, found him on Bumble before their in-person date, ghosted Ali AND the matchmaker???
6th matchmaker match
Last match and Ali states she will not talk about this date or anything about it
JFK Kirk?
Matched on Bumble, didn’t realize he’s located in SD, exchanged personal instagram info, not sure where things went or how things ended

Kirk #1
Met in the wild, make out a lot the night they met, “stealing kisses throughout the night”, exchanged numbers, planned a date (no specifics, just the day) but when Ali texted him day of he asked to reschedule (no specifics again), he replied back that he’s picking up a rental car, told him she’s looking for someone to respect her time and he never replied back

2023

The Falcon
First date of 2023, matched on The League, first nickname was “League Kirk”, hard to talk to, felt like Ali was always reaching for the next topic, likes to travel, “there wasn’t a vibe”, MOO
The Roommate
Used to be her friend’s roommate and have met before (Ali doesn’t remember but it was the day after that exclusive convo with The Rower), “totally cute”, reunited at their mutual friend’s engagement party January 2023, made out at the bar, comes back to her place and sleeps over (no sex), Ali questions why her friends never set them up and its because he was taking a break from dating, first date they made out a lot at the bar (again), “I really felt like we were already a couple”, “It didn’t feel like a first date”, mentions her FMH content has popped up on his FYP, tried texting him after their date and he wasn’t giving effort, she’s glad she didn’t sleep with him because “one night stands aren’t my thing”, MOO
The Belgian
Matched on Bumble, accidentally had their first date during a trivia night at a bar, easy to talk to
The Viking
Ali forgot they had a first date on the day of said date
Tinder Man
Matched on Tinder (duh) on Valentine’s Day, first Tinder date in three years, good convo on first date but got a pushy vibe from him at the second bar they went to, put his hand up her sweater and was kissing her in the bar, made Ali uncomfortable and she told him that after her asked her on a second date
The Historian
Matched on Bumble, good conversation on the first date with a wide range of topics like “urban planning and its impact on feminism”, he’s in grad school
The Georgian
Matched on Hinge, he asked if she was free on Friday and she said yes but didn’t hear back from him in two days and in that time she made plans for Friday, rescheduled for a Saturday afternoon date at a dive bar, ate on her way to her date “it would be next level rude to eat on the subway”, good first date, talked about places he wants to take her to
The Publicist
Matched on Tinder, lives in BK, Jewish, one year younger then Ali, good first date, invited him to the Chaotic Singles Party that night, came over to Ali's apartment (which Ali said was messy) before and he made her favorite cocktail for her, a couple of listeners met him at the CSP, goofy and silly convo mixed with deep and serious convos, second date was at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and a tasting menu dinner, he made a Resy reservation and Ali got an email saying she was added to it ”fuck receiving gifts, THAT’S my love language”, he's into words like Ali, he sneezed and Ali said "God bless you" but then corrected herself and said "gesundheit" and he leaned over and kissed her and said he loves that she cares about her words, he met her friends on the third date ”It felt so easy. It felt so comfortable”, her friends took “sneaky” picture and videos of them together which Ali said she loves a sneaky pic, took all their date recap videos on his phone, cooked Ali steak on their fourth date, "it's very comfortable", had him watch 90 Day Fiancé, Ali met two of his friends and some of his teammates he plays a rec sport with, had sex the day they took a trip outside of the city, Erica met him before their trip to Greece and I said “he’s dorky in a good way”, WhatsApp video chatted while in Greece and told her “see you in two days!” at the end of their call, said she felt less anxious about him compared to other relationships while on vacation, sent him a birthday present while she was in Greece, felt an energy shift coming back from vacation and didn’t hear back from him 3 days after she came home, Ali requested a call to talk about this distances she was feeling, ”I did the 12 date rule and it didn’t work!”, she said the distance help her see that they’re not compatible, went on a total of 9 dates. Ali talks about the “break up” on episode 123
Mr. Chaotic
Matched on Tinder but he saw Ali at the Chaotic Singles Party and Cassidy the host is there mutual friend, went to a brewery and played games on their first date (Ali said this was her favorite first dates in episode 147 where they recapped 2023), works in entertainment industry, very high energy, knows about FMH and he said she's entertaining to watch, splits his time between NYC and some unknown city, texted while she was in Greece, ”The man gives good texts”
Random Matchmaker Match
Withdrew his match to Ali because he found her FMH socials. Talked about on #71 AUA
Gone with the Wind
Matchmaker match, said some gross things about women in volleyball outfits on their first date, Ali told her matchmaker about this, ”I would describe him as misogynistic overall”, Ali was glad he did say those weird things so early on so she didn’t waste her time, the matchmaker flagged his account. This was around June 2023
The Rock
Ali knows him from an activity that they used to be involved with in the city (she's very vague about what this is) from 8 years ago, he had a very serious/long term GF when they met, follows her personal Insta, has never talked about him because he’s never been a “prospect”, summer 2023 they met up to catch up and found out that he’s now recently single but he’s moving out of NYC for work, Ali texts Cindy saying she thinks this is a date, Cindy said to tell him that you really want to kiss him, he ends up telling Ali “I really want to kiss you”, made out at the bar, Ali invited him back to her apartment and they had sex the night before Ali ended things with The Publicist, “one night stand vibes” but she said she was down to do it again, Patreon only and talked about on #75 AUA
The Tourist
Matched on Hinge, just moved to Brooklynn, went to a brewery in BK for their first date, Ali showed up to the date dripping in sweat, allergic to cats, he sent Ali a ‘no ghosting’ text the next morning
The Stout
Matched on Bumble, ”we had really great banter right away”, laughed the whole time on their first date, talked about going on a second date during their first date
Speed Racer
Matched on Bumble, drinks first date, axe throwing second date, made out after their second date, MOO, randomly texted Ali ~6 months later because he said one of Ali’s date recap videos about him popped up on his FYP (Ali and Erica think this is a lie), he thought Ali wasn’t into him, he claims he was doing all the work with texting even though there was only a few messages since they exchanged numbers after their second date
Billy Joel
Recently sober, Ali said she felt like they had several inside jokes before they met in person, ate pizza on her way to their first date, second date was getting coffee and going to the museum, they cooked dinner together for their third date at Ali’s apartment and they watched 90 Day Fiancé (he didn’t like it), he Googled how to clean a red wine stain when it spilled on her countertop, he asked if she wanted to have sex and she turned it down, the next day/the day before a 7am flight Ali booty called him and they had sex, she was drunk and said the sex wasn’t good/they stopped mid way, helped Ali pack for her flight, Ali said he’s at a crossroad and he doesn’t seem like a long term fit, Erica found a condom on the ground while cat sitting, Ali said she didn’t regret hooking up with him but wishes she hadn’t done it, MOO
Sales Cycle
30 seconds in and Ali said he was very boring, only really talked about his job, stared at Ali’s boobs, “might be a MOO”, texted her ‘merry christmas’

2024

Pie Guy/Dr. Laundry
Matched on The League, 34 years old, requested a nickname change from Pie Guy to Dr. Laundry, he had to cancel their second date because he got hit by a car, went on two dates, Ali sent him a pic of his subway stop saying something along the lines of “the stop isn’t looking as cute today” and turns out someone he dated with in that photo, were supposed to go on a third date the night she got back from a bachelorette party but he didn't answer her text when she said she landed, the next day he asked her how her trip was not acknowledging her previous text at all, Ali expressed her disappointment and he replied that he was tired last night, she said she would've been understanding if he said something then ghosted her
Andddd I stopped listening to the podcast around the Dr. Pie Laundry Guy but have stayed up to date with everything via this sub.
I have a huge interest in dating culture, human behavior and data similar to Ali and this little project of mine was really interesting once I got the framework of this list. I started this list once I found this sub in December 2023 and started re listening to the Patreon while working out (and lost 10 lbs ayeee) and writing down information in my notes app. I did my best to keep this list unbiased and just give facts and information that was said.
My own thoughts after making this list is that I'm very sad for Ali. I didn't realize the extent of her dating history. I think about my own dating history or even my friends who are in their 30's and dating and Ali's dating lore runs so deep. Is Ali unlucky with love? Did she pass on someone that could have been great for her? How has she had so many dates with little success in a long term partner or even going beyond 6-8 dates? Or is Skyline the person she has been waiting for? What's the pattern with all this dates/men? So many questions.
I truly do hope Ali finds her guy because I believe theres someone for everyone. Until then, I'll be hopping into this sub (cause y'all are too funny and give the best advice) and waiting for Ali to find Mr. Height.
Enjoy and I look forward to everyone thoughts! I'll keep my eye out for any edits that need to be made.
Bonus quotes:
“Longest relationship was a little under a year and a half. Haven’t made it past 6 months with anyone else” - AUA #7 11/27/21
“I spent the first 10+ years of my dating life being sort of perennially single” -1. The Actual First One episode 2/21/21
"I think my parent's story is the reason why I think that I can romantically get back together with an ex and it'll work out" -The Dave Glaser Podcast 4/5/21
“Almost every relationship I’ve ever been in, with a couple of exceptions, started as a situationship.” -21. The Undefined One 7/11/21
“All of my boyfriends have been white” -Ali’s BFF Special on Patreon 4/23/22
“You definitely need an older guy” -Cindy on Ali’s BFF Special on Patreon 4/23/22
“I’ve been on the dating apps since high school. Dating websites at the time” -Ali’s BFF Special on Patreon 4/23/22
“Who would be the perfect man for Ali?”
“Clearly a combination of the The Dentist and [the early stages of] The Buffalo” -Cindy on Ali’s BFF Special on Patreon 4/23/22
“Do you consider The Rower or Disco ball to have been situationships?”
“No, I don't consider either The Rower or The Disco Ball to be situationships” -question asked on TikTok 11/9/22

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I walked the Frances from mid Sept to the end of Oct 2023. My plan was that I would always take the longest route if there were options. This didn't always happen, but almost always the alternative path was a great diversion and when I joined back up with my camino family, they weren't happy with their route. Usually the alternative routes are longer but the benefit is they take you away from roads and into more nature.
I'm going to use Gronze maps to explain where these are. I primarily used the Buen Camino app while walking, and Gronze sometimes implies the alternatives are the main path...

1. SJPDP to Roncesvalles - the Napoleon vs Road route is described a lot. However on the Napoleon at the start of the decent down to Roncesvalles you can go directly down on the path through the forest or take the winding gravel road to the right. The pilgrims' office in SJPDP told everyone to take this road due to the conditions, almost no one did and they had a hard time with the steepness and mud. The road has amazing views, including that of the main albergue in Roncesvalles. It's far safer, less steep, but it is somewhat exposed. Towards the end there is a km or two next to a river and the road, but overall highly recommended. Extra distance - about 500m. link to map
   
2. Estella to Los Arcos - There is a shortcut "variant" just outside Ayegui, don't take this as you'll miss the famous Irache winery (free wine). Many people did though, by accident. Then, a little ways past the winery, there is an alternative path to the south, "variant de Montejurra". I don't think this path is much longer, might even be shorter, but it's far more scenic from what I heard. You get on to single track through trees which is really nice especially on a hot day. There are some terrific views and you're far away from the main roads. link to map
   
3. Logroño to Nájera - This is a long days walk, but there is the little town of Ventosa which can be bypassed saving you 1km. However this "detour" takes you along an "art walk", away from the road, and Ventosa is a nice place to stop for a drink/ice cream/tapa. The bypass is marked on the map as "camino directo". link to map
   
4. Entering Burgos - This one is essential. The main camino route takes you north of the airport, through a lot of industrial areas etc. Or, the alternative takes you south and you enter Burgos along its river. It's a stunning walk, and if the sun is out you'll see all the locals hanging out and enjoying their main park. We even had a quick swim in the river! It's about 1km longer, but that river walk is so nice and shady. There is a sign to show you where to turn, but many still missed it. link to map
   
5. Fromista to Carrión de los Condes - Just as you leave Población de Campos the Way splits and there is a northern path that takes you away from being next to the road for about 10km. Well worth it. Instead you are on a single track path next to a small river, and farm roads. You can actually see the road to you left a few hundred meters away!. Adds about 1km, but absolutely worth it. You have to look for this, there isn't obvious signs. link to map
   
6. León to Hospital de Órbigo - The official camino path takes you alongside a main road all day here, and from what people have told me, it was the worst day on the entire camino. The alternative route breaks off into the countryside just as you finally leave the outskirts of León. There are a number of small villages with albergues along this route so you don't have to make it all the way to Hospital de Órbigo. It's mostly still on roads, some dirt, but there were almost no cars. We stayed in a casa rural called Molino Galochas (just after Villavante), which I highly recommend, book though. This detour is about 4km longer. Gronze documents it over two stages. link to map
   
7. Hospital de Órbigo to Astorga - As you exit Hospital de Órbigo there is yellow paint all over the road telling you to turn right. Most people missed it, don't! Gronze suggests it as the main route. Again you avoid the main road, and there is the best snack oasis of the camino on this path, plus decent views of Astorga. <1km longer perhaps. link to map
   
8. Entering Ponferrada - many people stick to the side of the road going into town, but the Way breaks off to the left through some more countryside. It's a tough decision because it's a hard day of walking and this adds a bit more of a hill and about 1km. Nothing amazing to report about this section but you avoid the main road ("variant por carretera"). link to map
   
9. Entering Villafranca - another must do.... just after Pieros at the top of the hill, you turn right away from the main road, as per Gronze's suggested path. This takes you through some very scenic countryside, and away from the main road, adding about 1km. link to map
   
10. Leaving Villafranca - I didn't do this alternative as guides and people suggested not to. It takes you up a mountain which is fairly steep and it was pouring down the day I walked this. But it's on the Gronze map. link to map
    
11. Triacastela to Sarria - well documented southern route to the monastery in Samos. About 7km longer but well worth stopping there and doing the tour. A really beautiful trail that day too, but I'm sure the other way is great too. link to map
    
12. Leaving Portomarín - this one isn't on Gronze's maps, but just as you cross the bridge leaving town you can go right following the road, or left following a lesser used road. I went left (longer), it was nice - very green, no cars at all. There are two camino markers pointing in each direction at the end of the bridge so you can't miss it. Probably <1km longer and you get views of the river for a bit.
    

There will be other detours and alternatives that you see on your Camino. I encourage you to explore..... Buen Camino!