Finding a compatible partner is among life's great challenges — one that can feel especially daunting in Vermont, where the sparse population limits your choices. Sure, you can always pick up, move to a metropolis like Boston or New York City, and gorge yourself on the all-you-can-date buffet of singles. But what if you've already put down roots in Vermont — and want a partner who's willing to do the same? In recent years, online dating services have lubricated the mating process, allowing love seekers to more efficiently weed out "undesirable" candidates based on politics, education, activity level or predilection for creepy sex acts. So far, though, none captures the subtle verdant variations of "Vermontiness." Enter the Green Mountain compatibility quiz: a quick and easy way of gauging where on the cultural color wheel your Vermont snuggle buddy resides. Is that "Feel the Bern!" tattoo on their ankle real or temporary? Has their family been milking Holsteins since the days of Ethan and Ira Allen — or do they think that "Calais" is something you get from raking leaves without work gloves? Will they point to a mature sugar maple and say, straight-faced, "I'd tap that"— or do they reflexively snicker when you suggest going out for a creemee? Put your current partner to the test and compare their results with yours. It's not necessary to keep score. But if your current partner chooses all As, and you, all Cs, perhaps your last argument about GMO versus non-GMO breakfast cereals will be the least of your worries. Your preferred Saturday morning ritual is: A. A trip to the local farmers market for organic bok choy and freshly baked scones. B. An early morning hike up Mount Philo followed by an afternoon of yard work. C. Hangover recovery with a "St. Albans speedball," aka a Bloody-Mary-and-bong-hit combo. When the snow starts flying in December, your first thought is: A. Sharpen the skis, wax the snowboards and pony up for new season passes. B. Canning season! I wonder what veggies Charlie Nardozzi is pickling this year? C. Ugh! Winter litter! Hasn't global warming driven this white stuff to extinction yet? Weeding a vegetable garden is: A. A Zen-like form of meditation that reconnects me with Vermont's living landscape. B. A laborious task, but one that makes homegrown dinner salads even more enjoyable. C. A way to satisfy the community…
Finding a compatible partner is among life's great challenges — one that can feel especially daunting in Vermont, where the sparse population limits your choices. Sure, you can always pick up, move to a metropolis like Boston or New York City, and gorge yourself on the all-you-can-date buffet of singles. But what if you've already put down roots in Vermont — and want a partner who's willing to do the same? In recent years, online dating services have lubricated the mating process, allowing love seekers to more efficiently weed out "undesirable" candidates based on politics, education, activity level or predilection for creepy sex acts. So far, though, none captures the subtle verdant variations of "Vermontiness." Enter the Green Mountain compatibility quiz: a quick and easy way of gauging where on the cultural color wheel your Vermont snuggle buddy resides. Is that "Feel the Bern!" tattoo on their ankle real or temporary? Has their family been milking Holsteins since the days of Ethan and Ira Allen — or do they think that "Calais" is something you get from raking leaves without work gloves? Will they point to a mature sugar maple and say, straight-faced, "I'd tap that"— or do they reflexively snicker when you suggest going out for a creemee? Put your current partner to the test and compare their results with yours. It's not necessary to keep score. But if your current partner chooses all As, and you, all Cs, perhaps your last argument about GMO versus non-GMO breakfast cereals will be the least of your worries. Your preferred Saturday morning ritual is: A. A trip to the local farmers market for organic bok choy and freshly baked scones. B. An early morning hike up Mount Philo followed by an afternoon of yard work. C. Hangover recovery with a "St. Albans speedball," aka a Bloody-Mary-and-bong-hit combo. When the snow starts flying in December, your first thought is: A. Sharpen the skis, wax the snowboards and pony up for new season passes. B. Canning season! I wonder what veggies Charlie Nardozzi is pickling this year? C. Ugh! Winter litter! Hasn't global warming driven this white stuff to extinction yet? Weeding a vegetable garden is: A. A Zen-like form of meditation that reconnects me with Vermont's living landscape. B. A laborious task, but one that makes homegrown dinner salads even more enjoyable. C. A way to satisfy the community…