It’s no secret that opposites attract. But what happens when you and your partner have hobbies that clash? As relationship experts, we know that every healthy relationship and love should revolve around compromise. That means that, if your partner loves something that you have no interest in, you need to make an effort to learn about it and show them that you care. Per our love advice, if your partner loves sports and you don’t know what team goes with football or basketball, you can still go to a few games with them. In return, they can see some Broadway shows with you. Don’t forget that compromise is a two-way street!
If you’re having trouble deciding whether the new guy you’re seeing is into you or not, you may be looking too far into it. In relationships and love, guys are not as complicated as we make them out to be. In fact, it’s relatively easy to tell if he’s into you or not. We often allow our emotions to interfere with the reality of a situation. Consider our expert dating advice: Don’t let your heart block your judgement and lead you to ignore the red flags that your man might be sending you! …On the edge of your seat? Click here for more!
Everyone dreams of the fairytale ending, but nobody said that finding Prince Charming would be easy. Even when we fall in — what feels like — love, we’re still not always sure that he’s The One. After all, relationships and love are supposed to be work, right? While this may be true to an extent, a romance should not be more work than it’s worth. One of the hardest decisions to make in a partnership is realizing when it’s time to walk away.
Founders of Project Soulmate Share Expert Dating Advice
While love may be enough to withstand the test of time in stories, reality is much more complicated than that. Two people could be in love and still not be right for each other. Knowing when you are a good fit for each other can be hard. With that thought in mind, here are five red flags that mean you aren’t dating Mr. Right:
1. You don’t trust him: If there is no trust, there is no relationship. A relationship is primarily built off trust, so one without trust is like having a phone without service: It’s frustrating, and no matter how hard you try, it will never work. Let’s not beat around the bush: If you don’t trust your guy, there is a reason. Whether you saw a text from another girl pop up on his phone, found out he was cheating, or even just caught him in one too many lies, if you don’t trust your man, it’s over.
You cannot spend all of your time and energy stalking his whereabouts because, let’s face it, it’s exhausting. Instead of spending your time worrying about your guy’s every move, you should be enjoying your life and the people you love!
2. There’s no passion: Love and passion seem to go hand-in-hand. But the truth is that you can love someone without feeling any passion for them. If your relationship is lacking that burning passion that you’ve dreamed about, then you’re probably better off as friends. Passion is the longing for someone that makes you feel complete when you are together. And while the sexual passion is said to fade, the romantic passion should last forever. You should always feel like your partner is your other half and that you complete one another. While it’s true that passion isn’t everything, it is a necessary component to any successful relationship and love.
3. You don’t feel accepted: Being in love means that you can completely be yourself around the other person. If you feel like you’re constantly walking on egg shells in your relationship or like you’re being judged by your man, then he isn’t right for you. A person that you love should accept you for exactly who you are and whatever baggage you carry. And while relationships require minor sacrifices, they should be mutual and not one-sided.
As relationship experts, we believe that you shouldn’t have to completely change yourself or give up the things that you love for another person. Your partner should accept you for who you are and embrace you with open arms. The truth is, if he really loves you, he should make the effort to learn about your hobbies, your work, and your loved ones. You should never have to give up your life to satisfy your man.
How to Know If You’ve Found a Relationship and Love with Mr. Right
4. He won’t talk about the future: Every couple has to eventually have “the talk” about the future. And while they may dread the moment that they have to face reality and realize they want different things, it’s a conversation that has to happen in order to move to the next phase in any partnership. It is true that every person has their own unique set of beliefs, but your partner’s goals have to jive with yours in order for a relationship to work. In the beginning stages, many couples don’t feel the need to talk about their these things, but as your relationship progresses, this discussion will become unavoidable. If you’re considering spending the rest of your life with someone, having a conversation about religion, children, and your future in general is crucial.
The sooner you have the conversation, the better. You definitely don’t want to marry someone, only to find out later that you both want different things in life. Even if you’re in love, having different values and wanting different things means that you aren’t right for each other. At the end of the day, you need to face the music and realize that it’s time to move on.
5. He doesn’t respect you: A relationship and love is all about balance. Your partner should bring out the best in you, and you should bring out the best in him. But the truth is that many times people stay in romances that bring out the worst in them. While arguing is normal in any relationship, there needs to be a healthy line of communication where you can discuss your feelings openly before a full-fledged fight erupts. If your partner doesn’t have enough respect for you to sit down and tell you how they are feeling through a mature discussion, then your relationship will quickly spiral out of control.
Let’s face it: Nobody likes to fight. If you and your partner don’t have open conversations and have a lack communication, then your relationship will quickly take a turn for the worse and you will see each other’s ugliest side.
Relationship experts Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher are BRAVO TV’s Love Brokers and founders of Project Soulmate, a high-end New York-based matchmaking company. For more information about Project Soulmate, click here.
If you’re ready for something more serious, dropping hints is okay, but you must be smart about how you play your cards. NO man wants an ultimatum or a stage-five clinger — that is nothing but a turnoff for them. Men are hunters, and they want to feel that they’re in control, especially when it comes to the next level of commitment.
It’s no secret that we are all envious of celebrities and the lavish lifestyles they lead, most especially their wardrobes. After all, they’re dripping in diamonds and designer ensembles. Let’s face it: Who wouldn’t want to raid Victoria Beckham or Angelina Jolie’s closet? But their favorite arm candy to show off is not their Birkin Bags; it’s their men.
A rebound romance tends to be a controversial subject for men and women in today’s dating world. After exiting a relationship, we are often told to take some time for ourselves or to learn how to be comfortable alone. Though these are valid points, we feel it’s important to not let the failure of one relationship hinder us from entering another. Here at Project Soulmate, we believe there is absolutely an upside to a quick relationship turnaround, so we recommend you jump right back on that dating horse and gallop enthusiastically around the track in search of your proverbial “victory lap.”
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:
There are many different factors, both trivial and significant, that you need to decide on as a couple before you move in together. Most importantly, you need to have a solid, set plan. Questions must be answered prior to moving in together. For example, is this the person you want to marry? If the answer is yes for you, then make sure your partner is on the same page.
Sometimes, people may use moving in together as a sort of cop-out to getting engaged. Living together has all the benefits of marriage without the actual commitment in the eyes of the law. Ideally, you should obtain a verbal promise from your partner about if or when the next step towards marriage should occur. However, with that being said, you do not need to put an exact time frame on it because that will add unwanted pressure.
According to AYI.com, one in five people were dumped on Valentine’s Day. The best way to combat that seemingly horribly timed breakup is to get right back in the saddle! Look at this negative occurrence as a positive opportunity.
Deciding to get married is not a choice you should not make lightly. It’s different for every couple, and timing is everything.
We’re advocates of the popular rule of thumb that says it’s important to see all four seasons of a person before deciding on marriage. It’s easy to love someone in less than a year, but it’s hard to really know them in that short time frame. To truly know someone inside and out, you have to make sure you spend quality time with one another and make an effort to see each other consistently. You have to be with a person through happy times, sad times, and tough times in order to see their true colors.
Bruce and Kris Jenner. Photo: richard shotwell / PR Photos
By Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher, founders of Project Soulmate
While it is possible to be friends with your ex, it’s very hard and circumstantial. Everyone’s relationship is different, but we believe that the general rule of thumb is to cut all ties unless there are third parties involved.
By Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher, founders of Project Soulmate
Although first dates can seem scary, in reality, first dates are a science that can be easily mastered with just a few pointers. Once you feel confident about the first date, the option of a second date is inevitable. The main thing to remember is the key to the first date is being positive. This may sound cliché, but it’s true: positivity is an extremely attractive quality.
Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler. Photo: BJJ/FameFlynet Pictures
By Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher, founders of Project Soulmate
It’s no surprise that famous faces from Hollywood are pressured by their intense jobs and hectic schedules. The spotlight is always on them, but they don’t want the same burden in their personal life. So how can they keep their romantic relationships out of the prying public eye?
Embracing by a waterfall. Photo: Studio10Artur / Bigstock.com
By Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher
If you’re looking for ways to spice up your love life, why not use what’s already available to you? Take advantage of your five senses — taste, sight, hearing, touch and smell — and get the most out of your relationship.
Taste: Make dinner together. If one of you is more Chef Boyardee than Julia Child, you can still keep your spouse company — and perhaps even get a good laugh out of your culinary mishaps.
Couple having issues. Photo: Wavebreak Media Ltd / Bigstock.com
By Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher, founders of Project Soulmate
In light of the recent reveal that Dan Marino, CBS football commentator and Miami Dolphins’ quarterback legend, fathered a love child in 2005, we can’t help but wonder…
Why do high-powered men cheat on their wives and father love children without thinking they’ll get caught?
Couple on a dinner date. Photo: michaeljung / Bigstock.com
By Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher, founders of Project Soulmate
How should you approach the holidays when you’re dating someone new? Or what if you’re single and looking for love? Here are three questions that are frequently asked during this festive time of year.
1. What sort of present should I buy someone who I just started dating? The holidays are a time to do something special for the people you care about. Whether you’re in a three-year or three-month relationship, it’s important to show your significant other that you care. …Want to know more? Click here to continue!
Couple on a date. Photo: EastWestImaging / Bigstock.com
By Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher, founders of Project Soulmate
Before stepping into the dating world, you should always know your target audience. In the animal kingdom, you do not see zebras reproducing with monkeys. Know your type in terms of looks, personality, goals, interests, etc. Don’t date a partier if that isn’t your thing; don’t date a bore if you like adventure; and don’t date a religious zealot if you never want to step foot in a church. You will just be wasting your time, and your relationship will likely be doomed from the start. …On the edge of your seat? Click here for more.
