Hot Commodity: Manny Rayv

Whether you're young or mature, thin or solid, we all have the potential to be a Hot Commodity.

Meet Hot Commodity Manny_Rayv! Manny is 29 from Jacksonville, North Carolina. 

Want to be a Hot Commodity?  Here's all you have to do!

Tell us about your first relationship. How long did it last? Whose heart got broken, if anyone's?

Wasn't too long ago, actually. In January 2004, I was approached by a tall, light and irresistibly gorgeous blue-eyed dream in a club who thought I was someone he knew. I'm sure it was just a cover. He invited me to an afterparty and I lost my cherry that night, or, rather, the next morning. What was supposed to be a one-time trick session turned into a three-to-four-month full-blown relationship. I broke all his rules of the type of guy he doesn't date. It ended when I was in Belgium, away on duty, when I received a 'Dear John' e-mail. There was no kind of closure whatsoever. I was left with a gaping hole in my chest.

Who was your first crush? If you're no longer with that person, what would you say to that person now, if you could?

My first crush? Wow. I'd have to say it was one of my friends I knew in the service, but he was straight, unfortunately. Although he had opened up to me about having a fantasy of kissing a guy -- full on -- when he was in high school. As I reflect on it, I wish I'd have made his fantasy come true.

Describe the type of guy you're most attracted to.

Europeans. Yeah. Definitely Europeans. Mainly Russian and Moldavian. I love their facial structure. So masculine. And it's a plus if they have light-blue to hazel eyes.

What was your best date ever?

Brussels, Belgium. Roughly six to nine months after my first relationship ended. We had dinner at a Japanese restaurant. Just before leaving, he gave me a small wrapped package -- a gift to commemorate us. When I opened it my jaw just dropped. It was a deck of Magic: The Gathering cards that he put together himself. It was the best gift I'd ever received. It didn't cost much -- simple, and he knew I loved the game. (It helped that he loved the game as well.) I was speechless and I felt bad 'cause I didn't get him anything. It was a total surprise. Oh, yeah. He got some that night. To this day I still have the deck. Sigh. Such great memories.

What do you consider to be your favorite kind of date?

One that is not planned. Random. Call: "Hey. You wanna go somewhere?"
"Sure. Where to?"
"I don't know. We'll find out when we get there."
I love spontaneity. I never could follow through with plans. When I get older, perhaps.

When does sex usually come into the picture when you meet someone?

After I've gotten to know that person well enough to feel comfortable. Ah, who am I kidding? It's usually one of the first subjects to be brought up. I value my health and wellbeing and (safe) sex is very important to me. It can be the most pleasurable activity, but at the same time deadly.

What are you attracted to in a person that others might find surprising? (Big nose? Small teeth? Baldness?)

Ha-ha. Big noses. Not in width, though. I find guys with big noses extremely attractive and those with small noses don't even get a second look. Sorry guys, but size does matter. I think it's because when I was in seventh or eighth grade I remember reading somewhere that people with big noses tend to be very good at making and managing money. Is that true?

What's the worst thing about dating?

The feeling like I'm going for an interview. Now what'd I do with that boyfriend application?

What's the best thing about dating?

You can see different people and it wouldn't be cheating.

Are you the usually the dumper or the dumpee?

I'd say I'm in the middle somewhere. I've done my fair share of dumping as well as being dumped.

What's the cheesiest pickup line you've used ... that's worked?

I never could understand the use for pickup lines. I've never used them. But I've heard of some pretty good ones.

What's the best line someone's given you, and did it work?

I didn't receive this line: "My watch says you're not wearing any underwear."
Reply is something like, "What? I am wearing underwear."
"Oh! I'm sorry. It must be fast."
If it was used on me, yeah, it'd definitely work. Then again, I'm usually commando, so he'd be on point.

What's the worst line you've gotten?

"Are you straight? 'Cause you're the hottest guy here and you're dancing by yourself." I lied and replied that I was straight. I wasn't looking to meet anyone at the time.