Single in the city
Mara Dahlby
By Jen Wages
But “typical” and “average” aren’t words most people who know Mara would use to describe her. Underneath her quiet, serious demeanor—she’s a woman of few words—she’s looking for some fun and adventure in her life. “I’d like to go to South America, to Europe, and to Hawaii. I’d love to stand on the outer rim of a volcano someday. And I’d really like to learn to scuba dive, if anybody wants a partner to go!”
Age: 23.
Occupation: Registered Nurse at St. Marys Hospital in general surgery, caring for patients post-operatively until they are ready to go home.
On The Job: Mara is good-natured about the fact that some of her patients are friendly almost to a fault. “I get called ‘honey’ and ‘sweetie’ a lot by the over-65 population,” she laughs. “Most of the time, they try to set me up with their grandsons, who don’t even live here, so it really doesn’t go very far.”
On The Scene: She’s been on typical dates in Rochester—gone for coffee, gone for dinner, gone to the movies. And she’s gone on “group dates,” where you can hang out in a more relaxed setting. But in the end, you just want to be able to talk to the person that you’re trying to learn more about. “You just want to go someplace that you can have a good conversation and get to know each other, one-on-one. You know, find out what your likes and dislikes are ... see if it can go anywhere.”
Perfect Date: Oddly enough, she’s done some fun things in the area—just never on dates. For instance, she’s watched Raiders of the Lost Ark on the side of a barn (shown by the History Center of Olmsted County) and has been cave touring twice. “Niagara Cave and Mystery Cave were both really cool, and I’d definitely go again.” But it wouldn’t have to be unique—she’s just as happy at Target. “I’m there probably five out of seven days a week ... I love to shop. I really could have been a personal shopper.”
Claim To Fame: In her younger years, Mara was a 4-H clown—and has the skills in making balloon animals to prove it. “I can make dogs, elephants, giraffes ... even dinosaurs. And I can do the dove in the heart.” But don’t picture Bozo the clown here—Mara was “a cute, girly clown.” Think Ronald McDonald meets Pippi Longstocking ... in a skirt. And the best part? Her name was Bubbles. “I quit just before I was a teenager, for obvious reasons,” she says.
Off The Clock: When she’s not working, Mara spends time doing your average Minnesota stuff. You know, watching movies, hanging out with her friends or sister, helping take care of her niece and nephew. And belly dancing. “It’s different,” she laughs. “It’s just fun, and it’s actually good exercise. I took a class through Community Ed, and then I heard about the school opening in Rochester and am taking lessons. It surprised me, how isolated the muscles you end up using are. And I like the outfits!”
On Relationships: “I think mind games are ridiculous,” says Mara. She’s been in relationships before, and is really just looking for someone with a good heart that is sincere. And she wouldn’t mind someone tall, dark, and handsome (tall is key here—Mara is 5’9’’). “I’m really not girly or high maintenance. I would just like to be appreciated ... maybe even adored.”