Do You Need Some Tough Love?

It's been a while since your last relationship and even longer since your last date and you feel it's time to step back into the dating world; but you don't want to end up like before--right? Remember when you found yourself at that fork in the "relationship road" facing two paths with no road map? There you were, standing at "Lose Myself Avenue" and "Freedom Road" but which one to take? So many times before you chose to continue onto "Lose Myself Avenue" but that only got you to "Dead-End Road" between "Frustration Street" and "How Did I End Up Here Again Blvd". But that very last time you finally went on "Freedom Road" along with your tears, fears and memories of the past--and if you were really smart, you brought along the good china, his $50 eye cream and the only copy of the sex-tape!

When we enter relationships, we think of longevity, forever, maybe even eternity--unless your Jennifer Lopez or Donald Trump, but I digress. But dating will be different this time because you have matured, you have wisdom, and because you have Steven Ward from VH1's Tough Love helping you break free from those dating disasters with his mind-blowing matchmaking knowledge and "can't go wrong" dating tips.

After stalking Steven Ward for an entire week, he graciously agreed to an interview. I shared the exciting news with my readers and VH1's Tough Love fans and they wanted to be let "in" on the action (they can be extremely demanding), so here are 5 dating questions that Steven answered for us. Make sure to read to the end as the matchmaking guru not only tells us "what to do" and "how to do it"--he also reveals a little "Tough Love" secret about himself. 

Side note: I also got Abiola Abrams, one of the lovely participants on VH1's Tough Love to do an interview...but that will come later.

Nando: On the show, you said, "Always have your A-game on". But will that turn us into desperate love seekers? (Question from @happysocks via Twitter)

Steven: No, you just always want to concentrate and focus on love. You must find love from within before seeking love from someone else.

Nando: You told Jessa--her next date would be the "make or break" date (she was on the fence about this guy being too conservative). When should a "make or break" date happen (2nd Date,3rd date)--and when do you know it's needed? (Question from Nando --don't judge)

Steven: When a woman is ready to be intimate with a man she is at a “make or break” point. I feel if two people have expressed to each other at some point that they’re seeking a relationship the moment there’s intimacy you’re implying you’re ready to engage the relationship.

Nando: What are 3 topics to stick with on the first date and the BIGGEST topic to avoid--and why? (Question from LaTiya via Facebook)

Steven: Stick with family, friends, and fun. Avoid past relationships because no matter what the other person is going to take it out of context.

Nando: What are the most important qualities that two people must have in common to make a solid match? (Question from @CiaraSheily via Twitter)

Steven: Communication and respect. As long as those two ingredients are there you have the foundation for a solid match.

Nando: If given the choice--which celebrity would you love to work with and why? (Question from Cristina Simon via Facebook)

Steven: I’d love to represent Jennifer Love Hewitt because I’d try and see if we’re a fit first before I’d set her up with anyone else.

As some of you know, I was on a first date last night and I have to admit it was a little tough because I knew what to do...but old habits die hard. I was about to discuss my recurring foot rash--when I heard Steven's voice, not the matchmaker, but the waiter says, "Sir, would you like more water?" And that interrupted my thought, which turned out to be a good thing...as I then reverted to the "other" Steven's The 3-Fs Topic Rule: Stick with family, friends and fun. Whew, I almost blew that one!

For more dating tips and to see Steven Ward in action, watch VH1's Tough Love every Sunday night on VH1 at 10PM ET/PT. Tonight, Steve teaches the girls that when you date a guy, you're also dating his inner circle of friends. Good Lord, I have to stay tuned for that one--have you seen my friends?