In the last few months, we’ve seen countless celebrity couples break up in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Being stuck at home with your significant other has put a strain on many relationships, not just famous couples. With several states reporting a rise in new COVID-19 cases, we may be spending much more time at home again. If you’re worried about how more time in lockdown may impact your relationship, Cupid has some dating advice for you.
We recently interviewed relationship expert and dating coach Lee Wilson to get his perspective on how to keep your relationship healthy during the stress of lockdown. Wilson has 20 years of relationship-recovery experience, focusing on reuniting couples after separation. He also gave a TED Talk and has lectured at several colleges, including Pepperdine University.
In our interview with dating expert Lee Wilson, he revealed his relationship advice for getting through lockdown with your relationship intact.
Clicking to find love. Photo: Kzenon / Bigstock.com
Interview by Lori Bizzoco. Written by Ellie Rice.
Not only is Susan Trombetti one of the leading celebrity matchmakers in the country, but she is also a relationship expert and CEO of ExclusiveMatchmaking.net. Susan has been featured on Doctor Oz, HLN, Fox, ABC, NBC, ABC, Cosmopolitan, NYPost, Washington Post, Today, and Bravo just to name a few. With years of experience and successful matches under her belt, Susan is the go-to gal for those looking for love.
In our exclusive relationship expert interview, Susan gives relationship advice on all things love and dating in the midst of COVID-19.
‘Tis the season made for entertaining. Whichever holiday you invite people to celebrate with you, a punch is the way to go. It’s a great way to imbibe with family and loved ones, plus it saves you the hassle of having to continuous drinks during the night. Put out a punch bowl then pop a ladle in it, you will be good to go.
Must-Try Holiday Punches!
Blackened American Whiskey
As we know, celebrities love being in the booze game. Who would have thought that award-winning Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell, and Metallica would collaborate to create a bourbon. Maybe their song, “Whiskey In A Jar” was a big hint. Blackened American Whiskey is a marriage of the finest bourbons, ryes & whiskeys, however, it’s mainly bourbon. The whiskey gets finished in black brandy casks. Does it get any sexier than that?\
This is all to say that the whiskey would be perfect in a punch The first time I had Blackened was in a cold toddy. It’s the sibling cocktail to the hot toddy. It’s refreshing and is a holiday treat in a glass.
Using a vegetable peeler, remove zest from orange and 1 of the lemons in strips, leaving white pith behind; slice fruit in half. Squeeze juice from orange into a small bowl. Squeeze juice from lemon into a measuring glass. Slice remaining lemons in half and squeeze juice into glass to measure 1 cup total; save any remaining lemon halves. Set orange and lemon juice aside.
Place zest in a small saucepan. Beat cinnamon sticks with the side of a chef’s knife to break up a little and add to saucepan along with smashed ginger, tea bags, cloves, and 1 3/4 cups water. Bring to a boil and remove from heat; let sit 5 minutes. Remove tea bags, then stir in honey; let cool completely, about 15- 20 minutes.
Strain tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher and add whiskey, bitters, and reserved orange juice and lemon juice. Add 2 cups ice and stir until ice is melted and the toddy is very cold.
To serve, pour toddy into glasses filled with ice and garnish with orange twists.
Another spirit that should make a guest appearance at your holiday table is tequila. You can make a yummy libation that pairs with your autumn dishes. I’ve recently discovered that tequila deserves more credit when it comes to pairing with food.
Did you know that Rita Ora has a female-driven tequila called Próspero Tequila? It’s a relatively new libation and a new area for Ora. The distiller of tequila is one of the few women in the industry. It’s smooth, elegant, and sassy, we couldn’t expect anything less from Ora.
What should you make with this tequila? The Texas Punch is a good way to go since it’s the perfect addition to any gathering. It’s a drink that your friends and family will love. It’s also a drink that you can make for you and your boo to keep in the fridge for after a hard day at work.
Texas Christmas Punch
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
4 cups pomegranate juice
3 cups PrósperoTequila
1 cup lime juice
2 cups cranberry juice
1 750-ml bottle sparkling wine (recommend Crémant or Cava)
fresh cranberries to garnish
Directions:
In saucepan combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil, dissolving the sugar. Remove from heat and cool completely. This will create what is known as simple syrup.
In a large punch bowl stir together the simple syrup, pomegranate juice, tequila, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Chill for 2 hours. Stir in the sparkling wine and serve for a very good time.
For more Love & Libations date night ideas and celebrity couple predictions from Yolanda Shoshana, click here.
Question from Amy K. San Jose, CA: “I’ve been wondering lately if my boyfriend really loves me. We haven’t been together that long, but how do I know things are serious? How do I know he REALLY likes me? Thanks, Robert!”
Is your relationship serious?
Hi Amy:
With all the activity taking place in our lives, occasionally we slip into the dreaded “self-doubt” zone, whether it is about love, work, or who we are and our value as a human beings. Before tackling your specific question about love, always remind yourself that you’re a divine being deserving of love.
Concerning your sense of doubt about your boyfriend’s feelings, start by asking yourself why you feel this way. Is your intuition telling you he does not share the same feelings for you as you have for him? Or, is he not as emotionally available as you’d like and you simply want him to be more open about his feelings. If that’s the case, ask yourself why he’s not more open about expressing himself. Whatever the case, it sounds like you need reassurances concerning his feelings.
My advice? Ask him straight up how he feels about the relationship. Pay attention to the signals he provides in his response, both verbal and non-verbal. For example, if he’s unsure about his feelings, he will probably act unsure when responding. You can also ask if he loves you, assuming that you have expressed this previously and simply need reassurance. If you have not had the “are we in love” conversation, that’s a different story, but there is no reason why you should hold back on having this conversation. When couples are in the right relationship, it’s easy talking about anything with their partner. Again, when someone is uncomfortable expressing their feelings, it’s usually because they’re unsure about how they feel.
As a guy, I can tell you that when a man is happy in a relationship, he doesn’t say much about it. He simply enjoys being with his partner and it usually shows. When dudes have an issue on their mind, they usually bring it up to find out how their partner feels. Unfortunately, many guys (and women) who are unsure about their feelings often stay in relationships. It’s not a good thing, but it often happens, so it’s good to check in on how he is feeling on a regular basis.
The bottom line is if you want a sense of your partner’s feelings, have the conversation, but do it in a casual way. When people, and guys in particular, feel cornered, they get defensive. That said, it’s your right to know how he feels, and regardless of the response, it’s always better to get to the truth. After all, the truth, for better or worse, will set you free.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
Guy’s Guy
Robert Manni
If you would like relationship expert Robert Manni to answer your online dating/relationship questions, please email gillian@nvmediainc.com
More about the Guy’s Guy:
Robert is the host of Guy’s Guy Radio, featured on Blog Talk Radio and available on iTunes, Stitcher, and TuneIn. The weekly podcast features interviews with relationship coaches, entertainers, authors, wellness experts, spiritual teachers, sports personalities, and a weekly “Guys’ Guy’s Guide” exploring current guy-focused topics.
His novel, THE GUYS’ GUY’S GUIDE TO LOVE, praised as the “men’s successor to Sex and the City,” has been developed into two feature-length adapted screenplays, a scripted television series (pilot and treatment), and a series of non-scripted Guy’s Guy show concepts.
Robert has appeared on broadcast television (NBC’s Morning Blend, WPIX11 Morning News) and is a frequent guest across a spectrum of satellite, terrestrial, and web-based radio programs and podcasts, as well as a contributor to Huffington Post, Thought Catalog, Cupid’s Pulse, GalTime, is a featured expert on GoodMenProject and YourTango. He was also named a Top Dating Blogger by DatingAdvice.com.
Robert developed the Guy’s Guy Platform to help men and women better understand each other and bridge the growing communication gap between the sexes. He continually creates a fresh, robust palette of timely Guy’s Guy content focused on life, love and the pursuit of happiness. Whether it’s navigating the challenges of dating, relationships, friendship, career or wellness, Robert explores ways to help both men and women be at their best so that everybody wins.
When you ask someone which cocktail they love, the Negroni may be the first thing that comes to mind. It’s such a phenomenon that you can find one on pretty much any menu, or simply request it at a bar. As I mentioned in an earlier column, Anthony Bourdain loved this drink so much that he called it “the perfect cocktail”. There’s even a Bubbly Negroni that was invited for Valentine’s Day; the sex appeal can’t be denied. This drink is perfect for date night!
As the head of Next Evolution Matchmaking, I am hired by busy and successful professionals to serve as their very own online dating assistant. But I don’t just assist them with the process, I take complete control of the process. If you don’t have the time to build an online profile, keep reading for some dating advice from relationship expert Joshua Pompey
In this week’s Single in Stilettosdating advice video, founder and relationship expertSuzanne Oshima talks to Duana Welch. Watch the video above and read the article below for some good tips in your dating life!
In this week’s Single In Stiletto’s dating advice video, founder and relationship expert Suzanne Oshima talks to Cheyenne Bostock about three things men wish you knew but will never tell you. Watch the video above and read the article below for some good tips in your dating life!
In this week’s Single in Stilettos dating advice video, founder and relationship expertSuzanne Oshima talks to sensuality coach Patty Contenta about how to master flirting! Watch the video above and read the article below for some feel-good tips to improve your dating life!
Question from Andrew L: It’s easy to look good online. There’s photo editing and time to plan what to say. When you finally meet someone in person after connecting online, there’s only one chance to impress. How can I make sure a first date is a win?
You have a match on your favorite dating app and the conversations online are taking off. You’re up for hours talking to your match and find that you’re both interested in each other. But how can you be sure to impress on a first date when you’ve already gotten to know each other? How do you make a successful transition from online to in person dating? Read dating advice from our relationship experts Suzanne Oshima and Robert Manni!
Dating Advice to Help You Successfully Transition from Online Conversations to a Killer First Date!
Suzanne K. Oshima, Matchmaker: Online dating can seem like a major convenience for people that are too busy to get out there and meet people, but technology can be a setback when it comes to actually meeting someone face to face. In order to win that first date after meeting online, it’s important to be the best version of yourself— both inside and out. When you’re able to achieve that level of confidence and self-love, that’s when the right man will ask you out.
Having high self-esteem, knowing your self-worth, and understanding exactly what you have to offer a man is key. If you believe it, then he will see it, too. You’ll be on your way to that first date in no time! And if he can’t see that an amazing woman is right in front of him, then he’s probably the wrong man for you!
Robert Manni, Guy’s Guy: There are so many dating apps and websites that today’s singles often overanalyze things after making an online connection, sadly never scoring an actual date. When I was single and dating online frequently, I became comfortable approaching women online and responding to the ladies who contacted me first.
If I felt attracted to how a woman presented herself online, I’d send a short note and ask an open-ended question about her profile. If she responded, I’d send my digits. If the woman was still interested, she’d invariably send me her number and I’d make sure to call her by the next day. I’d keep the conversation short and, if things felt right, I’d suggest meeting. This usually led to a first “date” over a beverage. After that first face-to-face meet up things either moved forward or went nowhere. It was that simple.
So, if you see someone you like online, be cool, but make your move. Don’t overanalyze. Trust your gut, but keep an open mind.There are a lot of cool people out there just like you. Remember, dating is a fun sport. Good luck.
For more dating advice and to find out more about our dating and technology gurus, click here.
If you have any questions you would like answered by our relationship experts, please e-mail them to cupid@cupidspulse.com.
The relationship advice from this week’s Single in Stilettos dating advice video will stop you from scaring off any more men! Relationship expert Suzanne Oshima interviews Bex Burton on ways that women run men off. Watch the video above to learn more!
Question from Mara S.: My ex and I broke up after having a long-term relationship. Should I take pictures of us down from social media now that I’m seeing someone new or should the new guy in my life understand that my ex and I had a long history together?
Technology makes it so easy to share with the world the things that matter to you. It’s normal to post memories that you want to hold onto, but beware of what message your social media is sending. When you are interested in someone, you devour everything online about them in hopes of learning something new. That’s true for someone interested in you. What do you want someone to learn about you from your photos online? Read below for dating advice from relationship experts!
Technology Dating Advice that Helps You Know When to Delete Pics of Your Ex
Suzanne K. Oshima, Matchmaker: While you and your ex had a long history together, it’s time to take the pictures down and move on with your new guy. There’s a great quote by T.D. Jakes that best sums it up, “You can’t drive forward looking in the rearview mirror.”
Robert Manni, Guy’s Guy: My answer is a resounding yes. When it’s time to move forward, take down all photos from social media of you with your ex. If you want a new beginning, especially with someone new, you need to send him the right signals about your availability. The past has merit. We live, we love, and we learn, but there must be a reason your former boyfriend is now your ex. If you’re having a hard time deleting photos of him off social media, perhaps you are not quite ready to move on. If you truly want a new beginning, then start fresh on social media and give your new suitors the opportunity to see who you are right now. If things work out, they could be the luck one in your pictures. Good luck!
For more dating advice and to find out more about our dating and technology gurus, click here.
If you have any questions you would like answered by our relationship experts, please e-mail them to cupid@cupidspulse.com.
This week’s relationship advice will help you overcome dating burnout! Relationship expert and Single in Stilettos founder Suzanne Oshima talks to relationship coach Cyndi Olin about how to persevere in dating when you want to give up. Watch the dating advice video above to learn how you too can make it through a dating dry spell!
Relationship advice to help you through a dating burnout!
Couple texting during a date. Photo: dolgachov / Bigstock.com
Question from Kirstie W: When my boyfriend and I first started dating, our texts were fun and exciting. When we saw each other at the end of the day, we still had a lot to talk about even though we had been texting all day. After being together for six years, texting is non-exisant and when we do see each other all we talk about is work. Conversation is getting stale; help!
Long-term relationships face unique challenges. Conversations can be much more in depth because you know each other better. At the same time, conversations can run dry because you already know so much about each other. After awhile, talks are less about discovery and more about supporting each other. This dating advice from relationship experts Suzanne Oshima and Robert Manni will help bring excitement back into any relationship!
This week’s relationship advice from Single in Stilettos showcases founder and relationship expertSuzanne Oshima interviewing relationship author Wendy Newman. If you get stuck in the dating cycle, Newman’s tips in this dating advice video will help you work past the dating stage into a successful long-term relationship, teaching you how to maintain a lasting love.
On this week’s Single in Stilettos dating advice video, founder and relationship expert Suzanne Oshima talks to relationship strategist and dating coach Cyndi Olin about three ways to break your dating patterns — and every woman has them, so don’t think that you don’t! Listen to their expert dating advice in the video above.
Relationship Experts Discuss How to Break Your Dating Patterns
Question from Jay E.: My girlfriend and I are about to be separated by an ocean and an 8-hour time difference. Technology has made it so much easier to stay connected, but how can we make it feel genuine in a romantic relationship, especially with the large time gap?
Long-distance relationships have been made easier by advancements in technology, but it’s still important for you and your partner to find your groove and feel connected despite the distance. Let our relationship experts help by offering their best dating advice for using technology in the right way! Learn valuable dating tips from matchmaker Suzanne Oshima and relationship author Robert Manni. Here, they answer your question about how technology can make a long-distance relationship work. Check out their dating advice below!
Couple kissing during a picnic. Photo: rbvrbv / Bigstock.com
By Lori Zaslow and Jenn Zucher for Project Soulmate // Contributing Writer: Lauren Serrato
Planning the perfect birthday can be tough, especially when in a relationship. The date you plan can make or break your significant other’s big day, so choose wisely! When planning, you should consider what would be fun and memorable for both of you. Whether you are thinking sentimental, sexy, or spontaneous, the birthday date idea should always have a touch of you in it. Add in something special that makes it clear that you put a lot of thought into the date, like your significant other’s favorite food or something only you two would understand. Follow the relationship advice below, and you will definitely make your partner’s birthday one to never forget!
Five Birthday Date Ideas for Your Significant Other
On this week’s Single in Stilettos dating advice video, founder and relationship expert Suzanne Oshima talks to relationship author Duana Welch about whether or not you should trust your intuition when you feel like something is off with your new partner. The short answer is, “Yes.” Watch the video above to understand why!
On this week’s Single in Stilettos dating advice video, founder and relationship expert Suzanne Oshima talks to relationship author Wendy Newman to prove three dating myths wrong and offer their best expert dating advice. “I think a lot of people believe things that just aren’t true,” Oshima shares.
Relationship Author Wendy Newman Shares Expert Dating Advice
1. Women only date to find a partner, and men just date for fun: “The root of this myth comes from the idea that women and men approach dating differently — and I’ve got to tell you, I think men have it right,” Newman explains. Women lead with the end game in mind, while men just want to figure out if they want to spend time with their date. It’s that simple for them! “Men will talk about who they are as an interesting person, usually highlighting something fun — and they wish that we would do the same thing,” the relationship author adds. Before they jump ahead to the future, men just want to know if the two of you will get along — not because they’re not serious but because that’s really the most important thing early on.
2. Men are non-committal: “They commit all of the time!” Newman says with a laugh. It does take men longer to commit than women, but there’s a good reason for that: Men are naturally accountable, so they’re not going to say “yes” unless they’re willing to be on the hook for all of it. “Women will commit to a partner, but there are going to be things about him that they want to change,” she explains. Men, however, will sit back and assess the situation first; when they commit, they’re committing to the whole package.
3. You slept with him at the wrong time and blew it: It’s tempting to think you waited too long and he lost interest or you did it too soon and he thought you were easy, but know that men don’t think like that. “They think sex is a fun thing to do with someone they really like, care about, or love. They don’t think it’s the hinge that makes the relationship happen or not happen,” Newman reveals.
For more dating advice videos and additional information about the Single in Stilettos shows, click here.
The first few weeks of dating can be so exciting: the laughter, the new experiences, and, of course, the physical connection. But how exactly do you know if the chemistry you’re feeling should be attributed to blooming love versus something that is merely an intense physical attraction? If you are attempting to determine whether it’s lust or love, try asking yourself the following questions: …Want to know more? Click here to continue!
Question from Sonya M.: Facebook is the official/unofficial way of announcing a relationship. Is it too vindictive to unfriend an ex, or is that the right move when you enter a new relationship?
Social media is a fun way to share your relationship with friends and family, but if that relationship ends, the waters can get a little murky. Let our relationship experts help by offering their best dating advice for using social media in the right way! Learn valuable dating tips from matchmaker Suzanne Oshima and relationship author Robert Manni. Here, they answer your question about whether or not you should unfriend your ex after a break-up. Check out their dating advice below!
Dating Advice for Unfriending Your Ex on Facebook
Suzanne K. Oshima, Matchmaker: When it comes to dating after a break-up or divorce, it’s important to know that removing all traces of your ex on social media isn’t about being vindictive — it’s about moving on.
This is the last step at the end of your relationship, so now is the time for some “spring cleaning.” Daily reminders of him won’t allow you to move forward with your love life, so remember the saying “out of sight, out of mind.” This will remove any temptation to cyber snoop or check in on what he’s doing and who he’s dating. All in all, if you continue to stay connected, then you’re holding on — and this can hold you back from moving forward into another relationship.
Robert Manni, Guy’s Guy: Even though people have become too reliant on social media as their main form of communication, announcing a new relationship on Facebook can feel great and be validating. It’s a nice way of putting something out there about yourself that you feel good about for the people you enjoying sharing with.
On the other hand, if you no longer have an offline connection with an ex and do not feel comfortable posting about your new relationship for them to see, it’s perfectly acceptable to unfriend them. However, if you remain on good terms and they’re cool, there is no harm in staying connected with an ex on Facebook.
There are no strict rules or protocol about this. Listen to your inner compass and do what feels best for you. Good luck.
For more dating advice and to find out more about our dating and technology gurus, click here.
If you have any questions you would like answered by our relationship experts, please e-mail them to cupid@cupidspulse.com.
On this week’s Single in Stilettos dating advice video, founder and relationship expert Suzanne Oshima talks to relationship strategist and coach Cyndi Olin about three ways to get men to pursue you like crazy. Listen to their expert dating advice in the video above!
Relationship Experts Discuss How to Get Men to Pursue You in Dating Advice Video
1. Smile: With this piece of expert dating advice, Olin reminds us of the saying, “Your presence is a present.” Walk out the door, be present in your body, and smile — and you can attract men like crazy. Eye contact and compliments pair well with a smile. “That’s like a ‘come over’ signal,” she explains. “90 percent of the time, a man will approach you and at least start talking to you. It’s all about your energy.”
2. Engage with them: “There’s a lot of advice out there, including to let a man lead,” Olin shares. “While I believe that, men are confused when it comes to modern dating.” Men are often very careful as a way to ensure that they’re respecting you. Have a belief deep down in your soul that men are good people, and make an effort to get to know them. Remember: Your vibe attracts your tribe.
3. Let go: After you smile and engage with them, let them be the one to pursue you, to call you more. “You’re not pursuing. You’re a friendly receptor of light,” Olin says. “You want him to pursue you, and he’s looking for permission to do that.”
For more dating advice videos and additional information about the Single in Stilettos shows, click here.
