Lydia McLaughlin: My Proposal Was Better Than 'The Bachelor'!
Chat with Lydia today at 1 p.m. EST on Twitter! Just use #YourTangoTalk to join the conversation.
Lydia McLaughlin is a busy lady!
The California girl—by way of Canada—has been married to "soul mate" Doug McLaughlin for the past seven years and is mom to sons Stirling, 4, and Maverick, 2.
Additionally, Lydia's the managing editor of Beverly Hills Lifestyle, a magazine her husband owns and publishes, and the (former!) Housewife informs us, "Beverly Hills Lifestyle just celebrated its fifth year anniversary. I just released three new holiday pieces from my jewelry line Lydia M Jewelry. I also recently decided to leave Real Housewives of Orange County after just one season, which is kinda crazy but overall good and exciting."
You can ask Lydia about her jewelry line, decision to leave Housewives, and more today at 1 p.m. EST on Twitter. We'll be chatting with @OCLydia—join us using #YourTangoTalk.
YourTango: What was the last thing you did to show your husband you love him?
Lydia McLaughlin: My husband and I always spend Sundays as a family. Growing up with an old school Italian family, this was something I always did with my family and I loved it. All the grandparents and cousins get together for a meal. Last Sunday was a big tennis tournament for my husband Doug, and he made it to the finals. We had the whole family and all the kids go to the tournament to cheer him on. It was a cool and loving family memory.
YourTango: What couple do you most admire and why? The pair can be someone you know, fictional couples, etc.
Lydia McLaughlin: Both my husband's and my parents are still together. We both have amazing role models of a happy, living, successful marriage.
YourTango: What's the best love advice you ever heard?
Lydia McLaughlin: Love is a decision, not just an emotion. It is selfless, and a commitment.
YourTango: I'm a sucker for a man who _________.
Lydia McLaughlin: Loves The Lord.
YourTango: How do you keep your relationship solid and happy?
Lydia McLaughlin: Communication. Really trying to not be the center of the universe but trying to take yourself out of the equation and seeing things from your partner's point of view.
YourTango: What's your most romantic memory?
Lydia McLaughlin: The night my husband proposed. He took me to this beach in Laguna where we first kissed several years earlier. He had candles and dinner and was so romantic with his words and love. It was like a scene from The Bachelor but I didn't just get the final rose—I got my happily ever after.
YourTango: What's your tango?
Lydia McLaughlin: I love inspiring others. I think our culture is so quick to focus on what is next, or what we can get to be better. I like focusing on all the good. How precious this moment is and what a true blessing it is.
YourTango: Do you believe in love at first sight?
Lydia McLaughlin: Yes! The first time I laid eyes on Doug he was sitting across the room, and I spotted him and my heart literally skipped a beat. I knew he was made to be my husband!!
YourTango: If you could tell your younger self something you've since learned about love, sex, or relationships, what would that be?
Lydia McLaughlin: I'd remind myself not to settle. I ended up with my soul mate, but wasted a few nights worrying that he didn't exist!
YourTango: When was the last time something romantic made you cry?
Lydia McLaughlin: Once you become a mother, this whole new side of your heart opens. I never use to tear up and now I can see a sentimental Target commercial and I'm a mess!!
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