Dear Urban Diplomat: can I hit on my personal trainer?
Dear Urban Diplomat,
Is it appropriate to hit on my trainer at the YMCA, or would that be considered some sort of harassment because she’s on the job and technically working for me?
—Hot for Trainer,
THE ANNEX
If your trainer is like 99 per cent of trainers, she’s a) fit, b) wears a Lululemon uniform that highlights her fitness, and c) is almost inhumanly positive and upbeat when working with you. Personal trainers fall into the confusing category of Workers Who Are Paid to Make You Feel Good. They are joined in that category by servers, bartenders, massage therapists, herbal practitioners, hairstylists and, um, prostitutes. While it’s not completely inappropriate to ask any of these fine professionals out, you probably won’t get very far with them (other than the prostitute).
More likely than not, you’re mistaking her professional perkiness—required to keep you motivated—for a more intimate connection. That said, I’m not lunging and squatting with the two of you; maybe you really do have smoking hot chemistry, and maybe she feels it, too. The only way to know is to ask her out casually, stressing that you understand if she’d rather not date clients (that way, you’ll give her an easy out). Most people are flattered when others show interest, but if (or when) she rejects you, it’s your responsibility to reel in your attraction. If you can’t handle the rejection and you start fantasizing about, say, puncturing her fitness ball, it’s time to get a new trainer.
Send your questions to the Urban Diplomat at urbandiplomat@torontolife.com
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Well I have had the pleasure of eating at Alo and the food quality was excellent, the quantity was perfect and the pace of service was bang on. Unfortunate that some have chosen to make such low brow comments – “an axe to grind” seems like an understatement. Chef Kriss has made a fabulous addition to the Toronto dining scene with Alo and I look forward to returning many times.
Ignoring the extremely odd trolling, Alo is one of the best restaurants in Toronto, quite simply put. It’s early, and it’s surprising that they’re putting this level of food out already. I’m not a fan of biodynamic wines, however, so wasn’t overly enthusiastic about the pairings. Modest prices, however. The pastry chef probably makes the best Canele in the city, so the above suggestion regarding the pastry chef is patently absurd in every conceivable manner, especially since Caneles are one of the more complicated pastries to make.
The meal size was perfect, and there were a number of playful dishes that were wonderful to see. Pat is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see what he has in store.
Lastly, the authors’ juvenile slights toward Splendido are just that – Splendido is serving food that represents the upper echelon of fine dining in North America – easily competing with most 2* restsos in the US, and at a much lower price. Sad that Victors’ current offering is beyond this reviewers’ comprehension.