Kelly Osbourne. Photo: Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
By Shannon Seibert
Uh oh, the rumor mill is at it again. Kelly Osbourne hooking up with Quincy Combs, Puff Daddy’s stepson. The pair had recently started following each other on social media, and had a moment together captured on Instagram. But Osbourne remains her independent self and isn’t officially tied down to anyone, sources told UsMagazine.com.
How do you keep a casual relationship on the down-low?
When you were a child and jumped rope, singing along to the popular carol, we were taught that in a relationship the correct timeline was love, marriage, and baby in a baby carriage. But in today’s day and age, society is going about things quite differently. We’ve pulled some facts from a recent study by Zoosk that shineslight on the underlying truth on how the current generation approaches their relationships in contrast to how they’re idealistically projected.
Jennifer Lopez. Photo: David Gabber / PRPhotos.com
By Shannon Seibert
Even though they have publicly denied dating, the tension between Jennifer Lopez and Maks Chmerkovskiy is absolutely sizzling. Apparently the Dancing with the Stars pro, 34, attended Jennifer Lopez’s show at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut on Saturday, June 21. Lopez, 44, and Chmerkovskiy then went and danced all night at Shrine Nightclub, creating quite the flirty scene for onlookers. Sources say that the two remained close to each other all night and the pair even held hands and talked before sharing a long hug and saying goodbye, according to UsMagazine.com.
How do you decide when to go public with your new relationship?
Interview by Brittany Stubbs. Written by Anna Averill.
Clare Galterio is the newest face on the Music Choice Network and host of the hit show You &A, where she gets the scoop on today’s hottest artists while listeners play along at home by asking their own questions via Twitter. She has chatted with dozens of chart-topping artists, including Hunter Hayes, NeonTrees, Nick Cannon, and Imagine Dragons, just to name a few. In addition to interviews with musicians, the 30-minute talk show features live performances. …Want the rest? Click here for more
To get to Mr. Right, you have to go through all of the Mr. Wrongs. There are many types of men that women will encounter on their journey to find The One. The struggle is training the brain to differentiate between the good and the bad. Check out these five articles from our partners that will clarify why each type of man below is not who you’re looking for:
Visit a tarot card reader. Photo: Creatista / Bigstock.com
By Leslie Chavez
If you’re strolling around that little beach town you visited for the weekend and looking for something different to do, check out that tarot card reader you spotted on the street. Come on — you know you’re a little curious! Take a look into the crystal ball and see what the future holds for you and your love.
On this week’s Single in Stilettos show, dating coach Tripp reveals how to be than just
a summer fling to your new guy. Here are his top three tips if you don’t want him to think of you as a one night stand: don’t jump into bed too soon; show boundaries but still be interested in him; and stop texting and call him instead.
Love Sick: A Memoir of Searching for Mr. Good Enough is a sharp and irreverent memoir recalling Frances Kuffel’s quest to replace her on-again, off-again lover with someone new and preferably less unstable. As Shakespeare said, the course of true love never did run smooth, but for Kuffel, it seemed like one pothole after another. Fifty-three and never married, she opens her mind to all possibilities: She goes out with an Orthodox Jew, is almost the victim of a scammer, stays out all night with a man twenty years her junior, encounters food fixations and shoe fetishes, and generally reads a lot of strange emails. Brazenly honest and insightful, the author comes through the experience with a new understanding of love and, most importantly, herself.
There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want in a future boyfriend or girlfriend; in fact you shouldn’t settle for just anybody. But there comes a point when unrealistic standards may actually be what’s keeping you from finding Mr. or Mrs. Right. If you are turning down a potentially great relationship because he has a funny hairstyle or she has “man hands” a la Jerry Seinfield, then it’s time to reevaluate your priorities and loosen up a little instead of spending every Friday night alone in your room. Here are some signs that your standards are too high when it comes to dating:
Couple eating ice cream at the park. Photo: evren_photos / Bigstock.com
By Shannon Seibert
Women are constantly consumed by the search for the elusive Ideal Man. But who is he, really? For some, he’s tall, dark, and handsome. For others, he’s a sensitive blonde who is passionate about nature. But how far will these characteristics really take your relationship? We’ve pulled these five articles from our partners to reveal what qualities your dream man should possess, no matter what:
1. He’s someone worth bragging about: Okay, so your mother isn’t exactly impressed by your latest prospects. Chances are, if they aren’t measuring up to Mom’s standards, they aren’t worth your time. The Ideal Man is someone who you’ll be proud to bring home and show off to your friends and family. For example, Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett brags about her man Hank Baskett and his amazing parenting skills for their two children. (CelebrityBabyScoop.com)
2. He’ll leave the past in the past: Jealousy is a monster that we all wish to keep at bay. The Ideal Man will not talk poorly of his past, nor of yours, but use it as a learning experience. Not speaking ill of an ex reflects wonderfully on his personality and character. He will be comfortable in his own skin and will reassure you that his past will not become his present.(YourTango.com)
3. He’ll make you feel comfortably uncomfortable: You’ll not only feel right, but you’ll feel protected. The Ideal Man will allow you to be fully yourself, and he’ll also push you into uncharted territories. He won’t be afraid to challenge you or disagree with you. After all, in a strong relationship, you need that type of mental stimulation. (GalTime.com)
4. He’ll be the most intoxicating drug: Passionate, all-consuming love is something that every woman wants. And if you look hard enough, it’s not a lofty goal. The Ideal Man should not only be compatible with you physically but emotionally as well. Don’t underestimate the power of love and what it can do to a person, for your perfect love is like your own brand of heroin. (GalTime.com)
5. He’ll affirm why it didn’t work out with anyone else: Past heartbreaks may have hurt, but they also served as guidance to get you where you are today. The Ideal Man will have the arms that will feel like home. He’ll be the answer to any question you ever had, and you’ll be the solution to all of his problems. It will click, just like that. (YourTango.com)
What is your Ideal Man like? Tell us in the comments below!
Scared couple in bed. Photo: Maridav / Bigstock.com
By Leslie Chavez
Friday the thirteenth doesn’t have to be unlucky when it comes to love. In fact, you can turn the unlucky into a few unique date ideas. What are some superstitions you fear? Face your fears and spend the day together seeing how many superstitions you can prove wrong.
Rumor has it that Jake Gyllenhaal is dating Rachel McAdams. Photo: Solarpix / PR Photos; Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos
By Laura Seaman
Rumor has it that Jake Gyllenhaal dating Rachel McAdams. They have been spotted together once again as they left the Miguel Cotto vs. Sergio Martinez fight on June 9. Rumors have been flying about whether or not these outings means that they are actually dating, but sources tell UsMagazine.com that the two are just friends, and that the reason they’re spending so much time together is to prepare for their upcoming movie Southpaw. Not only that, but McAdams is still with Patrick Sambrook, the couple showing some PDA back in May.
How do you know if you should risk your friendship for love?
Summer has finally arrived, and we are diving right into the month of June! This season brings with it lots of sunscreen, bikini bods, and the exciting — albeit sometimes dreaded — family vacation. Let’s say that you’ve finally met someone special, and you are contemplating whether or not to bring them to your family’s beach house. If you do take the plunge and invite your partner along, here are a few simple rules to consider:
On this week’s Single in Stilettos show, founder Suzanne Oshima talks to dating coach Mr. Locario about the reasons you may still be single. There are five things you should do if you’re ready to find love: You need to take responsibility for your love life; you need to stop being too picky; you need to give him a second chance; you need to be careful about interpreting his actions and words; and you need to take initiative to meet the right man.
Interview by Brittany Stubbs. Written by Laura Seaman.
Kym Douglas, known around the world for her beauty expertise, is a woman of many talents, as shown by her frequent television appearances, radio spots, and multiple books. Her motto “bliss happens” is an inspiration to people everywhere as she helps them find ways to be healthy, feel beautiful, and live their lives to the fullest. As she says in our exclusive celebrity interview, “It’s not about trying to look younger; it’s about trying to look your best.”
Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a place where chivalry prevailed, where it was acceptable for fair ladies to wear flower garlands, and where a princess could always count on being rescued by her Prince Charming. But fear not, dear maidens, for this enchanted image need not remain only fantasy. This weekend, let whimsical romance take over and live a few days in make-believe.
A growing misconception about relationships is that the partnership defines who you are as a person. First and foremost, you have to do what is best for you and be your own person. This doesn’t mean you love your sweetheart any less; it just means that you know who you are individually. It takes two strong halves to equal a united whole, so we have pulled together these five articles from our partners to make your relationship stronger than ever:
1. Don’t marry your self-esteem to your man: Basing your happiness off of the circumstances of your relationship is just a ticking time bomb heading for the inevitable explosion. If you’re in a foul mood the entire day because you and your man are disagreeing over where to put the new couch, there may be a deeper problem. A woman who creates her own happiness is beautiful, and a woman who shares her happiness with someone she loves is even more beautiful. (YourTango.com)
2. Establish your independence: Much like our favorite independent woman Kourtney Kardashian, you can be in a strong, loving relationship while holding your own. Kardashian is a spokesperson, model, and partner in numerous businesses apart from her man, but she still has the utmost love and respect for him. They are even expecting baby number three! (CelebrityBabyScoop.com)
3. Focus on yourself: Sure, we all know that inner beauty is just as important as outer beauty…but sometimes, we just want to feel pretty. Take some time to focus on your skincare and haircare rituals with these beauty tips from actress Amanda Seyfried. (GalTime.com)
4. Have outside interests: What is the point in coming home to tell your honey about your day when you spent the entire day doing everything together? Having separate interests is actually liberating in a relationship. It gives you an outlet to be your own person without having to take someone else’s opinions into consideration. So embrace your passion! (YourTango.com)
5. Don’t wait on the approval from your loved ones: Your friends and family are important to the decisions you make, but you can’t give them the reigns and just ride their opinion wave. If you’re happy in your relationship, don’t let your pals and relatives make you feel otherwise. Be confident in your feelings and learn to trust yourself. (GalTime.com)
How do you stay true to yourself when you’re in a relationship? Share with us in the comments below.
Congratulations! You’re now in a relationship with a mama’s boy. Mama’s boys are tough to date. Mommy took such good care of them over the years, and while she’s still in their lives, you might always play second fiddle to her.
I know all about mama’s boys because my dad was one. I remember when we used to go out to the Hampton’s during the summer. My dad would have his own special blueberries and sugar on top. His mom, my grandmother, would always reserve the coffee ice cream for him, her king. She catered everything to him. He’d call her at least three or four times a day. It was like he couldn’t stand not having contact with her for even a couple of hours.
Moving in together. Photo: monkeybusinessimages / Bigstock.com
By Laura Seaman
Moving in with your partner is a big step. Sure, maybe you’ve spent the night at each other’s apartments before, or gone on a trip where you shared a hotel room or lake house, but this is something else entirely. Living together means more than just sharing a house (which is a big responsibility on its own), it means sharing bills, personal space, and secrets that may have been hidden before. Despite the intimidation that comes with this decision, there are a few good reasons to take the plunge and move in with your mate:
Share the Cost
Living together gives you half the rent and none of the transportation costs that came with two separate living spaces and the drive it took to visit one another. That’s one utility bill, one water bill, and one gas bill. You’ll also only be using one set of furniture. Just be sure that splitting these costs doesn’t lead to conflict. Establish ahead of time who will pay which bills and how much each of you will pay. With another living companion, paying the bills might be a bit more complicated, but they will be much less expensive.
See Their Habits (and Vice Versa)
There are plenty of habits you may not get to see while you’re dating someone. People tend to hide their bad habits when they’re trying to impress, so you might have a pet peeve they haven’t revealed. When someone is at home, they’re much more comfortable with themselves and they can’t help but show their little quirks. It may be something as little as biting their nails, or something difficult to ignore, such as counting having to walk through a doorway three times. It’s important to see these habits before taking your relationship too much further, because there might be one habit that pushes you over the edge, and the sooner you find this out the better.
When you’re dating, situations rarely arise that will bring out a person’s temper. While living together, you have the chance to see their tempers flare. This may not seem like a pro, but you will be thankful for it in the future. Moving in with your partner is taking your relationship to the next step and seeing a side of them that they wouldn’t normally show you. This step may not be pleasant, but it’s very important and cannot be overlooked if you hope to maintain a stable relationship.
Learning to Share
With one place to live, one set of furniture, and maybe even a pet, sharing is essential to staying in a happy relationship. It may be something we learned as children, but it seems to get harder as we get older. It’s difficult to share a home; that’s why so many people argue with their families growing up. Once you learn to share more of your home with your partner, you can then learn to unwind and share more of yourself. It will be the most open and honest that you’ve ever been with each-other, and that is something you might not get when being apart.
Living together is a big step in a relationship. For many, it means further commitment; it’s a trial-run before marriage. However, what if not everyone involved feels that way? When going on a date, the subject of children and marriage isn’t likely to come up. But when you’re living together, you and your partner are bound to talk more, and these serious subjects will likely come up. This is the perfect way to find out if your mate made the move to become something more, or if maybe you both have something more to talk about.
Living together can be tough, and many people advise against it. However, it’s these hardships that truly make it worth the risk. If your relationship can’t make it through the step of living together, how can it make it through marriage? The pros might not be as happy or pleasant as expected, but as with all learning experiences, it is necessary.
Do you think it’s a good idea to move in with your mate? What’s your experience? Let us know in the comments!
The act of writing can be so romantic. It’s a creative way to reflect on an experience and express your feelings on a special moment in sweet, expressive language. Just think of John Keats, Lord Byron, or William Wordsworth penning their observant and emotional poetry. They’ll be sure to inspire you to create a written keepsake with your love.
Drinking hot chocolate. Photo: dolgachov / Bigstock.com
By Shannon Seibert
Lately, it is becoming seemingly more difficult to define a relationship than it is to find one. The two of you have been hanging out for a couple of weeks, and you send each other flirty “I want to see you” text messages when you’re apart, but you don’t want to seem too pushy for a commitment. We’ve pulled together these five articles from our partners to help you figure out your next step:
1. Talking about it can help: Opening up a can of worms can be scary at first, but it’s always better than wondering about those “what if?” scenarios. If you’re really starting to develop feelings for him, you need to let him know. Look him in the eyes, remain calm, and be confident with each word you speak. A stimulating conversation could be just what the two of you need in order to progress in the right direction. (GalTime.com)
2. A strong friendship is a great foundation: One of our biggest fears when we start to have feelings for someone is that we’ll be trapped being “just friends.” For some couples, the unforeseen future stemmed from this stage. For example, newlyweds Kim Kardashian and Kanye West began a slow and steady friendship, and now, they are happily married with a beautiful daughter. (CelebrityBabyScoop.com)
3. ”Hooking up” is not an exact science: Casual relationships have become increasingly popular in recent years, therefore changing the rules of the dating game. We start out thinking that the idea of a no-strings-attached encounter is the perfect temporary solution until we figure things out, but eventually, it becomes one powerfully-enticing cocktail that will leave you with a nasty love hangover. (YourTango.com)
4. Sometimes, the wait is worth it: When it comes to mixing the mental and physical elements of relationships, things can get a little hairy. How far is too far? The answer to that, of course, is wherever you’re comfortable. Never let a man dictate the happiness of your relationship or allow him to make you feel like you have to measure up to his expectations. (GalTime.com)
5.Don’t rely on subtle hints: Men aren’t exactly rocket scientists. We want to believe in the fairy tale we read about in Nicholas Sparks novels, but this is the real world, and sometimes, in the real world, women need to be their own heroes. Here are 50 ways to say what is weighing on your heart — without even opening your mouth. (YourTango.com)
How do you know how to define your relationship? Tell us in the comments below!
On this week’s Single in Stilettos show, founder Suzanne Oshima talks to New York dating coach Hunt Ethridge about what makes a man disappear. According to Ethridge, there are three things that you should avoid doing if you want your guy to stick around: being too needy or desperate, thinking about the future too soon, and saying “we need to talk” (the absolute worst thing you can say to your beau!).
Choosing a mate involves enough numbers to make the process a math equation, but daters of both genders place the most importance on a lot of the wrong ones. From a bird’s eye perspective, it doesn’t make sense to prioritize such an uncontrollable physical characteristic as height, but as superficial as it may seem, biology is at work here. Women tend to go for taller men because of the masculinity and protectiveness it implies, while men seek out more petite girls who make them feel like a strong lumberjack of a guy.
I could tell you all day long that height is irrelevant in the long run and that, by following this primal urge, you’re effectively ruling out a painful number of worthy potential partners who could make you feel just as meek or manly as someone who meets your height requirement would. But since it would be fruitless for me to simply suggest we all fight Mother Nature, here’s a Dating with Dignity guide to how men and women who weren’t blessed with traditionally ideal genes can exude the right qualities.
If you’re the guy who was always chosen last to play basketball in gym class and are a regular at the tailor to have new pants hemmed, you may have low expectations for your love life. If you hone other parts of your appearance and personality, however, you’ll communicate power, presence, and an ability to protect no matter your magnitude:
Confidence: Many men express confidence by overcompensating and acting like a jerk, but simply being comfortable and carrying yourself accordingly will do. Don’t forget that confidence is also associated with ambition and an overall happiness with your looks and personality. If you’re not quite there yet, perhaps you’re better off working on yourself for a while before hitting the dating game hard; it’ll benefit both you and your romantic prospects.
Appearance: Height aside, overall appearance is an undeniable attraction factor — especially when attempting to snag a lady’s initial interest. Take care to dress well but also in a way that suits you, both size- and personality-wise. A well-groomed man with an eye for fashion can make a lack of height unnoticeable. Similarly, maintaining your physical shape can gives a solid sense of that protective quality women seek in men.
Personality: While you may feel as though you have to embrace an abrupt and coarse demeanor to make up for your lack of height, kindness still matters and is especially desirable in a long-term mate. Believe it or not, kindness can still be considered masculine, so long as you express it with that confidence you’ve honed and refrain from becoming a doormat. Simply treat others, especially your lady, with respect, consideration, and compassion and stand up for what you believe in. That’s sexier to us than being able to slam dunk a basketball.
Many men find height in women imposing, no matter how charismatic and warm you may be. The key to attracting a man who may normally shy away from taller gals is to exude femininity and appear approachable, even if that means doing the approaching yourself.
Confidence: Though making the first move may seem like the opposite of appearing less intimidating, it may be your job to break the ice. Use your feminine wiles and approach him in a flirty, natural way to avoid seeming forward or “ballsy.” Once he’s had the chance to talk to you for just a few minutes, he’ll likely see what a warm and welcoming person you are, and all the rest will fall away.
Appearance: You may be inclined to slouch to appear shorter, but improving your posture makes you appear more self-assured. Be sure to smile often and openly. Don’t be afraid to sling a smile at the cute guy in the next aisle at the grocery store or across the bar; it’s the most surefire way to express your effusive personality and make someone feel more comfortable and open to approaching you.
Personality: If you’re into soccer and fly-fishing and have an active career, by all means go for it — but try to balance it out through your relationship’s dynamic. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and maybe even have your new guy take care of some of the fix-it tasks around your apartment early on, even if you’re fully capable of handling them yourself. Making your man feel needed and giving him ample chance to take care of you will make your height difference irrelevant.
Marni Battista, founder of Dating with Dignity, is an expert dating and life coach with a 10-step system to manifesting love for your self and others. You can contact Marni at marni@datingwithdignity.com.