1
So, what’s it all about? Urban Life is Metro’s new and innovative study of ‘Urbanites’ – young, full-time working professionals in Greater Dublin. Every year we will research the opinions, attitudes and lifestyles of up to 2,000 Metro readers, asking for their views on everything from current affairs to cool brands; environmental issues to must-see movies; mobile phones to multiculturalism. What do I get out of it? We’re genuinely interested in your opinions on the key issues of the day and you can share these views with Metro’s editorial team. The results will help to fuel a large number of stories in Metro next year. As if that wasn’t enough, we’re also giving away e27,000 in prizes – hundreds of e30 HMV vouchers and one e1,000 cash prize after each of our main surveys. And if you stay with us for a whole year and complete five or more of our six main surveys, you will be entered into our prize draw for one e3,000 cash prize. What’s involved? Taking part is easy. Urban Life is comprised of six main surveys, the first one in November and then one every six weeks. All surveys are online, so you can take them any time of day or night that suits you (within our survey periods). We’ll e-mail you when each one is ready to complete, with each one taking only about 15 minutes. Sign me up now If you are interested in taking part in Urban Life, please go to the website www.myurbanlife.ie/join and follow the simple instructions. Alternatively, FREE TEXT to 50100 to register your interest. Text TNS (space) first name (space) e-mail address (for example, text TNS then your name, then, [email protected]). Places are limited on the Urban Life project, so please register early to avoid disappointment. B eauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. So what happens when the beholder is you? Metro asked its 1,600-strong panel of Urbanites – young professionals working in the city – what they saw when they looked in the mirror. And it seems Dublin is evenly split between the studs and pedigrees, and the nags and mongrels. According to the latest Urban Life figures, 49 per cent of people living in Dublin are satisfied with their appearance, with nine per cent ‘very satisfied’. Meanwhile, 40 per cent are unhappy with how they look, with a quarter of these saying they were ‘very dissatisfied’ with their appearance. So what has people so upset? When asked what physical and interpersonal factors most affected how they feel, the two most frequent responses were self inflicted. ‘Gaining weight’ was named by 74 per cent of Urbanites, while ‘looking at my stomach in the mirror’ was quoted by 58 per cent, both of which can be amended by closing the mouth and eyes, respectively. But not much could be done with the other two big factors, which were ‘being teased’ at 38 per cent, and ‘being rejected by the opposite sex’ at 48 per cent. Worryingly, where weight is concerned, eight per cent of participants said they would give between three and ten years of their lives just to achieve their weight goals. The factors which most had a positive effect on people were their partner’s opinion of them at 58 per cent, 60 per cent said ‘sexual experiences’, 73 per cent named ‘exercising’, while ‘receiving compliments from the opposite sex’ was the biggest influence at 76 per cent. Despite the majority of Urbanites relying on the opposite sex for self fulfilment, nobody wants to date. And nothing can sum up why better than the following extracts from Urban Life’s Rant section – see if you can distinguish the girls from the boys: ‘So glad I’m not dating. It’s hit or miss, but usually miss because you usually end up with the ones no one wants and there’s a good reason,’ said one Urbanite. ‘In my view, dating is a pile of pants! Most men are not looking for any sort of commitment, [they’re] just out for a good time,’ claimed another. While their opponents said: ‘Dating sucks. It’s all about women setting impossibly high standards and laughing at men as victims.’ Another pointed out that: ‘It’s flipping expensive. Paying for two all night and it mightn’t even lead anywhere. At least a prostitute guarantees results.’ Thanks to all those who have signed up to the panel so far and for taking the time to answer our UrbanLife polls. Remember, Metro is giving you a voice – use it. Love dilemma: Everyone cares what their date thinks, but nobody wants to date Dating’s just ‘pants’ Tuesday, July 31, 2007 8 METRO Breeze Cocktail Ball August 11th, Morrison Hotel A fun filled night for Ladies Only in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation With a chance to win a trip to the Big Apple and many more fabulous prizes. for more information visit www.breezecocktailball.com or freetext 53377 (texts cost min. 15c)
