Would you rather be a woman in the UK or US?

Sunday Mirror, Aug 18, 2002 by Naomi Greenaway

Donna

Barnes

Gina

Cotter

Age: 34 Occupation: Models

U.S. Donna

In my twenties I went from one serious relationship to the next, but in the last couple of years I've only had one major relationship with my 'Mr Big'. I date a lot though - I had about five dates last month - but often there is no sex involved. Right now I've just started seeing someone. I try not to let my relationships interfere with my work, but this guy is a gem, so I do rearrange my schedule for him once in a while.

U.K. Gina

I'm single at the moment, as are lots of my friends. I think it's some kind of London disease. Maybe it's because the guys here aren't very outgoing. I met more people in one week when I was in New York than I do here in a year. I want a man who's stable and loyal - I don't like playboy types.

How many people have you slept with?

D: I honestly don't know - in my late twenties I stopped counting.

G: I'm still in single figures.

Do you use sex toys?

D: I don't, but it's very common here. It helps women to be independent if they can take care of themselves.

G: I don't, but I'm open to the idea.

How many drinks do you normally have on a night out?

D: One drink is fine for me. I'm happy to go out and not drink at all. Apart from anything, it's fattening.

G: Three or four glasses of wine.

How often do you have a manicure?

D: I live above a manicure salon and I model my feet and hands so I get a pedicure and manicure once a week.

G: When I have time, but it's so boring.

What's always in your handbag?

D: Breath freshener and lip gloss.

G: My Max Factor compact.

How much do you spend on rent a month?

D: $1,600 (pounds 1,000) for my one-bedroom Upper West Side

apartment - and that's cheap.

G: pounds 400 for my half of a two-bedroom flat in Notting Hill.

Sandra

Guibard

Elaine

Smart

Age: 33 Occupation: Sales/

business managers

U.S. Sandra

After my divorce two years ago, I started dating furiously, but then I met someone amazing and we've been together six months. Inevitably, I see my friends less but they understand and support me. Thanks to email we all get daily updates.

U.K. Elaine

I found Billy and that was it. We've been together 11 years, married for six and we're best friends. He was my third boyfriend and I've only slept with six people. I don't envy girls on the pull. They say they enjoy it, but I couldn't be bothered with all that chasing.

Is your work a priority?

S: It makes me a whole person. I never want a man to complete me, I want to come to the table with something as well.

E: Work is a means to an end - a way to finance my social life and the things I love, like my art.

Do you want your husband to earn more than you?

S: I was married to an out of work actor and it was a struggle. Now I want someone as happy and established as I am.

E: Billy and I share everything so as long as we're comfortable, that's fine.

Do you have a savings account?

S: Oh yes, I'm invested.

E: We tend to save and then think, 'let's go on holiday' and spend it. It's not something we're terribly good at.

Where do you go out?

S: I don't like clubs and bars - I'm over all that stuff. My perfect night is dinner then the opera.

E: We go out for meals and occasionally go clubbing. I'm not into girls' nights out. I end up glazing over - all that talk about make- up.

What do you look for in a man?

S: A positive, fresh, fun attitude.

E: First of all, friendship.

Where's the maddest place you've ever had sex?

S: I'm a big vehicle person.

E: An inflatable tent. It wasn't subtle.

Kathy Colborn

Carol Mae Whittick

Age: 28 Occupation: Bartenders/Waitresses

U.S. Kathy

It's important to date a lot. Unless you really like a guy there's no point being exclusive. I've dated loads of guys this year but I've only slept with two or three. Sex has to be more than lust. I've had great relationships so I know good sex, but that's not to say it always has to be lovey-dovey. As loving as it is on the one hand, it has to be just as wild on the other.

U.K. Carol

I don't bother going out with people unless I really like them. I had a serious relationship in my late teens but I've been single since. I don't like sleeping with people on the first date - but I think we've all done things in the heat of the moment we later regret. What I look for in a man is sensitivity and a sense of humour.

What's the best way to get a tip?

K: Smile and be outgoing.

C: Make people laugh and feel at home.

Do you expect to pay when you're on a date?

K: Absolutely not, that is so not masculine. I heard British guys don't always pay - that cracks me up.

C: I always take some money with me just in case I need to make a quick escape, but I don't expect to use it.

How do you know if a guy's right for you?

K: I have three tests. The bubble test: can I be happy with this person irrespective of our surroundings? The cardboard box test: if we lose everything can he be resourceful and make money? The sex test: is there chemistry between us?

C: If he doesn't agree with everything I say. I like a good debate.

What's your perfect night out?

K: Dinner with a guy that I really like and then great sex.