10 Thoughts On Love & Relationships

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share some things I have learned about love:

1. Some of the most basic things in life are the ones that can make us the most happy. Like: Something to eat. Something to drink. Someone to love. Someone to love is actually first, but pizza is a close second.
2. A lot of singles start feeling bad about themselves right about now, but it doesn’t have to be this way! Being in a relationship is just one way of doing life. Being single is another. Neither lifestyle is actually better than the other for all people, all of the time. You can definitely love yourself and your life, uncoupled.
3. Men are not projects. Men are not projects. Men are not projects. That is something I wish my younger self knew. All the time and energy spent trying to fix broken men…SMH! It could have been spent on me—on doing more for my own happiness and on building my own empire. PS: Women aren’t projects either.
4. If I had one message to give younger men and women looking for love: Love yourself first. Work on you. Then find your person to love. I’m a huge fan of coaching AND matchmaking. Preferably coaching before matchmaking.  The best version of yourself attracts the best partner.
5. Love attracts more love. There are many forms of love to celebrate around February 14th. While the focus is on romance, its always a good idea to be grateful for all the relationships that make you happy—whether its those with your family of origin, best friends, kids, or pets. 
6. There is no woman a man is more into than one he hasn’t slept with yet! (Sounds harsh or like a joke, but, there is some truth to this, indeed.) 
7. Love for a child is more likely to be unconditional than romantic love. Even though I help people find romantic love for a living, I decided to take a hiatus after my last relationship didn’t work out—knowing having a man isn’t the end all, be all.  I had a baby on my own via donor conception and that is one type of love which will always be unconditional.  I know I made the right decision doing the whole solo mom by choice thing, because I feel more complete and content than ever with my beautiful daughter. (Even though my life is chaotic, every day!)
8. Women could be the key to helping both men and women find love. In this spirit, I am having a Valentine’s Day Giveaway at my boutique relationship consultancy, Rachel Russo Relationships. THE PRIZE: A gift certificate for a one-hour massage at a spa of your choice! (Limit: $250.) Or you can have the cash—because, inflation is real! If you know men who are:  Age 50-60 and open to dating a 55 year- old woman with a teenager, Educated, professional, Based in NYC—or 30 miles from Larchmont, NY please email me at Rachel@RachelRusso.com If your referral goes on a date with my client, you win the prize.
9. You can find love anywhere. Despite all the options for singles in big cities, many struggle with dating for the purposes of marriage and family. Well-thanks, in part, to the popularity of all the dating apps- dating is pretty challenging in the ‘burbs too. Love is hard to find everywhere these days, but, it is totally attainable if you want it badly enough.
10. Life is short. We should fight for love!

Happy Valentine’s Day!