Relationships Talk

Whatever the problem, count on eternal besties Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King to dole out solid advice on how to solve it. That’s exactly what happened when Winfrey and King appeared in Oprah Magazine’s The OG Chronicles this week and answered questions from fans that touched on a variety of relationship issues.

In the six-minute video of what will surely be the first of many in the OG Chronicles (“OG” = Oprah and Gayle) series, Winfrey and King chortle and counsel their way through questions that touch on everything from keeping a relationship sexy and fresh to advising a writer on whether its OK to give up a phone pass code to deciding once and for all whether it’s OK to sleep with someone on the first date. It’s not only a rare treat to see these BFFs together, but it’s a serious delight to see them trading dating advice and anecdotes from their own experiences, allowing viewers rare insight into their personal lives.

First up: advising empty nesters on how to keep their marriage sexy and exciting. Winfrey, who draws on her long-term relationship with Stedman Graham and recounts the hilarious and unexpected reaction she got from him when she wore lingerie, recommended the writer ask their partner what they want. King agreed, recalling her own misfortunes when she tried to surprise her ex by revealing a sexy outfit hidden under a trench coat (it apparently didn’t go over well).

When it comes to handing over the phone pass code to a significant other, Winfrey says no but King is all for it. Sleeping together on a first date? Winfrey and King gave fervent nos, but laughingly questioned whether they were just too old to even comment on that. Handling a boyfriend who is lying about having a job? Winfrey gives solid advice on that, telling the writer to tell their boyfriend “Boy, bye!” for his lie.

The entire video is just a treat, with Winfrey and King laughing their way through the advice-giving and teasing one another for their dating histories. And bonus: They really do dole out solid dating advice, so why not listen to them?

The big premiere of Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club is almost here, but Life & Style is helping you get familiar with the cast beforehand! LiLo’s whole squad shared their very best advice for dating, partying, work, and more, and their answers are actually pretty damn helpful. Watch the exclusive video above to learn what to do when your crush dances with other people, when your work friends won’t cover your shifts, and when you want to score free drinks at the bar! 

Don’t forget to tune in to the premiere of Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club on MTV on Jan. 8 at 8/7c!

Does it mean your relationship is over?

By Tylia Flores

In almost every relationship, meeting the family is one of the major milestones.

You know things are getting more serious when he offers to introduce you to his parents or have lunch with his grandmother. Although I haven’t always had the best track record in relationships over the years, I have met many of my ex-boyfriends’ family. Some of them were nice; others, I just didn’t hit it off with for one reason or another.

So, what happens when you don’t like your boyfriend’s fam?

RELATED: The 3 Stages Of Mingling With Your Guy’s Family (And How To Deal)

It’s a sticky situation in any relationship, and it can create serious consequences for your future together.

For starters, family is a forever thing.

He’s not going to see his relatives differently just because you don’t get along with his mother. If you really want to continue the relationship but don’t hit it off with his parents and siblings, be prepared for a circus full of monkeys or fisticuffs. No matter how much you love each other, his kin just aren’t leaving the picture.

Furthermore, you may find that the relationship you have with his relatives ends up impacting your relationship with him, too.

I know from first-hand experience that being with somebody whose family you don’t like can create a huge rift in your relationship. Instead of enjoying sweet, happy moments with your boyfriend, you will be constantly worrying about interacting with his relatives.

You’ll find yourself avoiding any situation where you might have to simply say “hi” to his parents.

RELATED: 4 Ways His Mom Affects Your Marriage … For Better Or Worse

As a result, you miss out on many intimate times with your boyfriend and his family.

In my experience, the constant battle between my opinions and my ex’s familys’ ended up making me feel unworthy of being with him.

Finally, you may find that it is impossible to stay with your boyfriend if you don’t like his family because they hold different values or morals. For example, my parents raised me to always push through obstacles and arise to challenges I faced.

RELATED: 5 Life-Saving Fashion Rules To Follow When Meeting His Family

With one of my ex-boyfriends, though, I quickly learned that this was not how his family handled tough times. Anytime he had a problem, I encouraged him to work through and pushed him to reach his full potential.

This caused many fights because he had set his mind to doing things his way, and he wasn’t willing to see my point of view. Of course, his family agreed with him, which caused even more tension between us.

When you’re trying your best to build a life together and investing so much into a relationship but his family doesn’t like you, the relationship can actually become toxic. Eventually, you lose the spark you had with the person and no longer enjoy your time together the way you used to.

So, here’s my advice to anyone who’s currently going through this situation: If you don’t hit it off with his family, you may need to think long and hard if you should continue the relationship.

Family is forever, and no matter how far away they are, his family will impact your relationship. Not getting along with his family can literally make or break your relationship. It’s a long road full of tension and heartache if you can’t handle his closest relatives.

RELATED: How To Get A Guy To Like You — By Not Doing These 21 Things

Tylia Flores is a writer who focuses on lifestyle, health, wellness, and relationships. You can find more of her love and dating content by visiting her author profile on Unwritten.

This article was originally published at Unwritten. Reprinted with permission from the author.